# **Pedri: The Rising Star of FC Barcelona – Career, Team, and Top 5 Iconic Moments**
## **Introduction** Pedri, full name **Pedro González López**, is one of the most promising young prospects in international football. Born on **November 25, 2002**, in Tegueste, Spain, Pedri has swiftly climbed through the ranks to become a crucial player for **FC Barcelona** and the **Spanish national team**. Known for his remarkable vision, dribbling, and poise on the ball, he has attracted parallels to superstars like **Andrés Iniesta** and **Xavi Hernández**.
In this blog article, we’ll explore: - **Pedri’s professional journey** - **FC Barcelona’s squad size and important players** - **Pedri’s top 5 most fantastic moments** (with extensive breakdowns)
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## **Pedri’s Career Journey**
### **Early Career (Las Palmas)** Pedri began his career with **UD Las Palmas**, making his senior debut at barely **16 years old** in August 2019. His achievements in Spain’s second division grabbed the attention of **FC Barcelona**, who signed him in **September 2019** for **€5 million**.
### **Breakthrough at FC Barcelona** Pedri joined Barça in **2020** and instantly became an important member of the team under **Ronald Koeman**. Despite his young age, he demonstrated maturity beyond his years, playing **73 matches** in his rookie season—an incredible record for an 18-year-old.
### **Spain National Team & Euro 2020 Stardom** Pedri was called up to **Spain’s Euro 2020 squad** and became the **youngest player to start a knockout game** in the tournament’s history. His achievements earned him the **Young Player of the Tournament** honor.
### **Injury Struggles & Comeback**
Despite suffering many injuries in recent seasons, Pedri remains one of Barcelona’s most essential players. His inventiveness, work rate, and ability to manage the midfield make him crucial.
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## **FC Barcelona’s Squad: How Many Players Are There? ** As of the **2023-24 season**, FC Barcelona’s first-team squad consists of **25 registered players**, including:
- **Goalkeepers**: Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña - **Defenders**: Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde, João Cancelo
- **Midfielders**: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, İlkay Gündoğan
- **Forwards**: Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha
Pedri is a **central figure** in this squad, typically controlling play with **Gavi** and **Frenkie de Jong**.
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## **Pedri’s Top 5 Most Amazing Moments**
### **1. Debut Season Masterclass (2020-21) – 73 Games Played**
Pedri’s debut season at Barcelona was nothing short of **phenomenal**. At barely **18**, he played:
- **La Liga**: 37 games - **Champions League**: 7 games - **Copa del Rey**: 6 games - **Supercopa de España**: 2 games - **Euro 2020 + Olympics**: 12 games
**Why It Was Special? ** No adolescent has ever played **73 matches** in a single season at such a high level. His endurance, talent, and consistency were **unprecedented**.
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### **2. Euro 2020 – Young Player of the competition** Pedri was Spain’s **metronome** in midfield, completing **more passes (396)** than any other player in the competition. His highlights included:
- **Man of the Match against. Croatia (5-3 ET win)** - **Dominant display vs. Italy in the semifinals**
**Why It Was Special?** He became the **first teenager** to win the Young Player award since **Renato Sanches (2016)** and demonstrated he belonged among Europe’s top.
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### **3. El Clásico Debut (October 2020) – Outshining Real Madrid** Pedri’s first **El Clásico** was a **masterclass in midfield control**. Despite Barça losing **3-1**, Pedri:
- Completed **92% of his passes** - Made **3 important dribbles** - Showed **fearless composure** against veterans like **Luka Modrić**
**Why It Was Special? **
At **17 years old**, he appeared like a seasoned veteran in one of football’s greatest rivalries.
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### **4. Olympic Silver Medal (Tokyo 2020)**
Just weeks after Euro 2020, Pedri joined Spain’s **U23 team** in the Olympics. He played **every minute** until the final, where Spain lost to **Brazil (2-1)**.
**Why It Was Special?** He became the **only player** to feature in **Euro 2020 + Olympics in the same summer**, showcasing his **incredible stamina and talent**.
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### **5. Stunning Goal against. Sevilla (2023) - A Moment of Magic ** In a **crucial La Liga match**, Pedri scored a **sensational solo goal**, gliding past **three defenders** before putting it home.
**Why It Was Special?** It displayed his **dribbling, calmness, and finishing**—qualities that make him a **future Ballon d’Or contender**.
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## **Conclusion: Pedri’s Future**
At just **21**, Pedri has already achieved more than most players do in a decade. If he keeps fit, he might become **one of the finest midfielders of his generation**.