Pedri s 5,000-word interview: What is the world s midfielder ranking? | Ten years later, holding the World Cup and the Golden Ball?

. And on the collective level, everything went very well. So, I hope to do better than No. 24, I am a contender. I would rather let people vote, but of course if I end up in the top five or top ten, it would be a huge pride and a wonderful reward.

Your fellow countryman Rodri won the Golden Globes last year, proving that players like you can also win the award. Do you yearn for one day to follow him?

Pedri: For a long time, this award has been awarded mainly to offensive players. Rodri's victory proved that the role of the midfield finally got the recognition it deserved. Because football is largely determined in the midfield area. When a team controls the midfield, it is easier to win games. So, yes, why not dream of winning the Golden Globes in my career? To do this, the entire team will first need to play a very good season.

This year, many people think Dembele and Yamal are popular candidates. You played with them. Can you describe them to us?

Pedri: It's a real pleasure to play football with them. Both of them played incredible seasons, each with their own styles. Lamin is a player who dares to fight and is confident in one-on-one situations. He has incredible dribbling ability, as if there is no defensive player in front of him. He plays football for fun, which is obvious. He has very skilled feet, and we're not even sure which foot he prefers. This season, he did shine with goals, and this is also a new breakthrough for him. As for Dembele, he is a very unpredictable player who can attack from the left or right, which makes the opponent elusive. He also had an extraordinary season and was often the decisive.

Tell us about your tacit understanding with Yamal and Rafinia on the court. If you are the one who controls the rhythm of the team, and they are the ones who create imbalances, is that right?

Pedri: No, it is not true. Me, I tried to pass the coolness on the field. We have very talented players ahead, so we try to make use of this and serve them. Lamin and Rafinia like one-on-one, and even if it’s not always simple, we try to find the necessary space for them to display their talents. For example, Rafinia is particularly good at running and finding gaps, and we have a good understanding on the field. He is an incredible player, very efficient, and we always try to make the most of our understanding. We have a good relationship on the off-court, and he often calls me "Pedrinho" (laughs).

I feel like you are an old-school player, a creator, and your feet are not necessarily fast, but your thinking and execution are very fast, and you belong to the type of Zidane, Riquelme, Pirlo...

Pedri: Indeed, I don't have the physical fitness of some stronger players. I have to make up for it in other ways. I try to think faster than others and always lead one step ahead. I use game wisdom to make up for my lack of strength. It has something to do with my growing up experience. Nowadays, most football players have grown up in large youth training centers. And I started from outside, watched Barcelona games at my parents' house, and then played football at the club in my hometown. I learned a lot from this kind of street football, and learned this instinct side, playing football for fun. That's why on the court, I do things very naturally because it's rooted in my heart since my childhood.

is a bit like a South American player?

Pedri: That's right, especially Brazilian players. We often hear about players who grew up in slums and played on temporary fields just for the fun of playing football. In the Canary Islands, it’s a bit similar: we have fun everywhere, set goals, and play football with friends. It is this passion and instinct that makes us progress. In my position, finding the perfect pass also comes from an instinct, like an inner vision that allows you to see gaps.

How do you experience the victory of the 2024 European Cup, especially when you exited due to injury in the quarter-finals? Does depression dilute joy?

Pedri: Of course, I would rather enjoy it on the court. I had to go through it in another way, watching from the outside. This was my first time winning a championship away from the field, but I completely accepted it. My teammates often care about my situation, which helped me a lot. Maybe I suffered more mentally than physically. The most important thing is that we won. I was there, in the stands, with a bandage on my left knee. The physiotherapist asked me to stay calm and not jump too much to avoid aggravating my injuries. To be honest, it is impossible to be unhappy, and it is impossible not to share the joy of teammates. It was an incredible moment.

Spain will be one of the biggest hits in the 2026 World Cup. In what ways can this team improve to strive to win a second star after winning the South Africa championship in 2010?

Pedri: We have shown a lot of positive things in recent international competitions, which is why people list us as a hot topic in 2026. Having said that, we still have a long way to go. It takes a look at which players can make it to the team, how we as a team grow… Winning the World Cup is a long and difficult challenge, but why not? We have a young and excellent team and I am sure we will continue to improve. Raising that greatest trophy is the dream of every football kid. Of course, this is also my dream.

Q: Finally, how do you view yourself ten years later? Holding the World Cup and Golden Globes?

Pedri: Of course, I hope both! Dreams always have to be there, right? Most importantly, I want to be healthy, have family, and enjoy the fullest of football happily.

source:Game VN