FC Barcelona midfielder, Pedri is the winner of the 2021 Golden Boy award. The 18-year-old Spanish fast-rising football star won the award ahead of Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund, Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, and Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax.
Pedri is now the third Spanish player to win the prestigious award founded by Tuttosport for football stars under the age of 21.
Other Spanish footballers who have won the Golden Boy Award are Cesc Fabregas (2006) and Isco Alcaron (2012).
Pedri succeeded Norway and Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland who won the award last year at 20-year-old.
Before he was named the winner of the award, the Spanish youngster was considered a favorite to win it after he played a prominent role in Spain’s football Olympics team that won the Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.
Before then, Pedri followed Spain’s national team to Euro 2020 in June 2021. He played so well during the tournament that he was named the Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament.
Recall that Pedri joined FC Barcelona from the Las Palmas youth team on September 2, 2019, for a transfer fee worth €20 million.
It was until the 2020-2021 season that he was able to break into FC Barcelona’s first team. In his breakthrough season, the 18-year-old midfielder played 52 times for FC Barcelona. In those games, the youngster scored 4 goals and provided 6 assists.
The effort of the youngster helped FC Barcelona to win the 2020-2021 Copa del Rey and made it into a Champions League spot despite how difficult things were for the club.
So far this season, he has managed to make 4 appearances in all competitions before he sustained a muscle injury. He is expected to return to football before Christmas this year.
2021 Golden Boy: Pedri!#BeAKing pic.twitter.com/sUxfFvaR8e
— King FC (@KingOfCheers) November 22, 2021
After he was announced the winner of the 2021 Golden Boy award, Pedri thanked Tuttosport (organizers of the award), FC Barcelona, Spain’s national team, and his family.
“I thank Tuttosport for this trophy which makes me proud”, he said. “Thanks also to all the members of the jury and the fans who have always supported me in this simply incredible 2021 for me.
“Of course, many thanks to Barca, the national team, my family, my friends, and obviously to all those who have been close to me day after day without whom I would not have been able to win the Golden Boy.”
❝I am honored to receive the Golden Boy award. I want to thank everyone for supporting me this year❞
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 22, 2021
🌟 @Pedri 🌟 https://t.co/3QNjZeEQCl
