Pedri joined Barca from Las Palmas in 2020 for just 5.5 million USD. In 5 years, he has played 197 matches and scored 26 goals, winning one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cups. The 22-year-old midfielder also won Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. Photo: Reuters

Pedri joined Barca from Las Palmas in 2020 for just 5.5 million USD. In 5 years, he has played 197 matches and scored 26 goals, winning one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cups. The 22-year-old midfielder also won Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. Photo: Reuters

Barca is about to return to Camp Nou, the stadium you left in 5/2023. What are your thoughts on this?

Camp Nou holds a special significance for us. We've missed it immensely. The atmosphere there is completely different from Montjuic, where we've played for the past few seasons. While we felt comfortable at Montjuic, it simply cannot compare. Camp Nou is unique, an icon. As a child, I watched my favorite players compete there on TV and always wondered what it looked like in person. I always dreamed of playing there. So, returning to Camp Nou is truly a gift!

How do you assess the team's and your individual performance last season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season?

Collectively, my top priority, as a young and ambitious team, was success. Last season was very successful, with several titles: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Of course, being eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals still leaves a sense of regret. We had a slight dip in form, which is normal given the intense competition, but overall the team was very consistent throughout the year. We made significant progress compared to the 2023-2024 season.

Next season, we will give our all to do even better. The goal is clear: to reach the Champions League final. Personally, I feel very comfortable, having found the stability I desired. Coach Hansi Flick has shown faith in me, which is crucial for me to give my best.

Can you talk about Hansi Flick and his influence?

I went through a difficult period due to injury, but he believed in me and encouraged me to maintain my confidence. Having a coach who fully trusts you helps you stay calm and focused on your playing career. From the outside, Hansi Flick may seem like a serious and straightforward coach, which he sometimes is. But in reality, he's like a father to us, always listening to the needs of the team. He has brought about a significant change, instilling a winning mentality and a desire to give our all.

Barca is a young team surrounded by a few veteran players. What's the atmosphere like in the dressing room?

The combination of generations works very well. With so many young players, we have fun and joke around all day. The banter between Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal is a daily occurrence. Robert is quite serious during training, while Lamine enjoys teasing him lightheartedly. There's always laughter, but the veterans don't hesitate to correct and guide us when needed. We are very serious when it comes to work. The blend of youth and experience greatly benefits the team.

So, what is your role within the team?

When seriousness is required, I'm often the first to embrace it. I enjoy training and working hard because I know that's what makes the difference in the long run. But when it's time for fun, I'm all in! I often joke with Lamine, Gavi, Ferran Torres, or anyone, really.

You haven't dyed your hair blond like Gavi, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, or Szczesny…

(Laughs) No, no, I leave that to my teammates; they look better with blond hair than I would.

The current Barca squad seems much stronger and more united than during Lionel Messi's final season in 2020-2021. How did you cope with Messi's departure?

Leo's departure was a huge shock to the club, especially since no one expected it. I was in Japan for the Olympics when I heard the news, and I honestly couldn't believe it. Realizing Leo wouldn't be here anymore was a shock because he had the ability to single-handedly decide matches, which changed everything.

What memory of Messi do you cherish the most?

When I had the ball and was pressed by two or three opposing players, I always tried to pass to him. Because, clearly, Leo would handle it better than I could. During training sessions, he did magical things, almost unbelievable, that only we, his teammates, were fortunate enough to witness. It was crazy!

Messi (left) and Pedri during a Barca attack in La Liga during the 2020-2021 season. Photo: AFP

Messi (left) and Pedri during a Barca attack in La Liga during the 2020-2021 season. Photo: AFP

Afterward, Barca lost its usual aura. The squad's quality declined, and the team couldn't even succeed in the Europa League. Did you ever consider leaving the ship at that time?

No, never, because playing for Barca has been my dream since childhood. When a star of that magnitude leaves, it's normal to have one or two difficult seasons; it takes time to adjust. We went through tough times, and not being able to compete in the Champions League hurt. But we succeeded in rebuilding. We created a new team, understanding each other better, and young talents with the ability to make a difference emerged. Now, we are an excellent team. I believe we will reach unimaginable heights.

Last season, you won all four El Clasico matches and regained the upper hand against Real Madrid, who had won two more Champions League titles in the preceding period. How did that feel?

If I had to choose one moment, I will always remember the goal I scored in the Copa del Rey final. It was a special moment, especially with my family in the stands. After a period of struggling to beat Real, achieving four consecutive victories last season was immensely satisfying. We did it with an attractive playing style and joy on the pitch. El Clasico matches hold great importance, especially for the fans. They love it when we win, and we know they'll be thrilled to tease Real Madrid supporters the next day!

How did the duel with your direct opponent, Jude Bellingham, go?

Jude is truly impressive. He combines physical strength and technique, making him very difficult to deal with. In the last four El Clasico matches, we contained him quite well and, more importantly, controlled the game, which is key for us. We prefer to dictate the tempo, control the ball, rather than letting Jude, Vinicius, or Mbappe lead the game. That's when we feel most inspired and powerful. This rivalry is a real challenge; it pushes us to exceed our limits.

In your opinion, who is Real Madrid's best player?

Real Madrid has many great players. When Mbappe has the ball and faces you one-on-one, he's very hard to stop.

With you, Dani Olmo or Fermin Lopez in the number 10 position, along with Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Marc Casado, how has Barca's midfield returned to its peak?

Everyone knows their role precisely. From the beginning, we've had great chemistry. Because we share Barca's playing style, the connection comes naturally. Playing together consistently has strengthened our understanding. On the field, we find each other easily. However, we haven't reached the level of Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets… I hope one day we will, because they gave so much to the club and the national team. We are trying to follow their example.

Barca has returned to its true self, largely thanks to the emergence of talents from La Masia. What makes them special?

These players come to Barca at a young age and embody the club's philosophy. Here, the playing style taught to the youth is very similar to the first team's. So, when they reach the first team, they are already imbued with that philosophy. People talk a lot about Lamine, but there's also Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez… Many young players have been promoted to the first team in recent seasons, and their level is astonishing; they've contributed a lot. Besides their excellent technique, they are also well-prepared physically and mentally. They are Barca fans to the core and are ready to give everything for their dream club.

This young generation needs protection. You yourself experienced an overloaded first season, with 52 matches for the club in the 2020-2021 season, and then paid the price with recurring muscle injuries for three years…

That was a difficult time. We can't pinpoint the exact cause. Football is a demanding sport, often putting a lot of stress on the body. There's no magic formula. Injuries can happen for any reason, even when you're in top form. My recent injury at the Euros with the national team was an unforeseen moment. I was playing well, feeling good physically, and then I took a hit from Toni Kroos. It was simply bad luck, uncontrollable. In those moments, you think a lot, asking yourself: "Why is this happening to me? What could I have changed or improved?" But I stayed calm, because I knew it wasn't due to a lack of effort, and the summer would help me return to my best.

Last season, you played consistently again: 69 matches, including club and national team appearances. Do you consider this a resurgence?

I'm not sure if I'd call it a resurgence, but I'm very happy to have regained my playing rhythm. My playing style hasn't fundamentally changed, but my body has evolved. I've found a more suitable gym training routine. What's certain is that the difficult period is over. Now, I'm just enjoying this stability because, ultimately, what any professional player wants is to play as much as possible.

How is the Pedri of today different from the Pedri of four years ago on the pitch? Your mother says you now play like a veteran…

With time and experience, you understand everyone's position better, read the game better, and that helps you improve. Many of my mistakes when I was younger stemmed from being too ambitious: not knowing when to accelerate, when to slow down, or when to pass the ball at the right moment… You learn all that through matches and real-game situations. That's the gift football gives you over the years.

This might be surprising, but you're one of the players who recovers the most balls per game in Europe. How do you explain this new aspect of your game? Did Gavi share any secrets?

Gavi doesn't even need to give advice; just watching him train is enough to understand how he defends and gives his all in everything. Our higher position on the field helps me recover more balls. I'm often the one who directly wins the ball back, but it's the result of the whole team's effort.

After a very successful season with 7 goals and 10 assists, where do you rank yourself among the world's best midfielders?

I'm not the one to say who's the best. There are people better suited to judge, like those who vote for individual awards. It's true that currently, people mention me and Vitinha a lot. Ultimately, the audience will decide; everyone has their own opinion. What's certain is that we both had an impressive season.

For the second time since 2021, you're on the Ballon d'Or shortlist. Four years ago, you were 24th. Where do you think you'll be this year?

Last season, I worked very hard and felt I was in good form. Collectively, things went well too. So, I hope to surpass that 24th place because I'm ambitious. I let the audience vote and decide, but if I could be in the top 5 or top 10, it would be a great honor and reward.

Last year, your compatriot, Rodri, won the Ballon d'Or, proving that this award isn't just for strikers. Do you dream of following in his footsteps?

For a long time, the Ballon d'Or usually went to strikers. Rodri's victory shows that the role of midfielders is finally being recognized. Football relies heavily on the midfield. When a team controls this area well, they are more likely to win. So, why not dream of winning the Ballon d'Or in my career? But to achieve that, I first need an excellent season collectively.

This year, many consider Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal to be strong contenders. You've played with both. How would you describe them?

Playing with them is a real pleasure. Both had an incredible season, each in their own way. Lamine Yamal is the type of player who dares to take on opponents, handling one-on-one situations with great confidence. He dribbles with incredible ease, as if there are no defenders in front of him. He plays for the joy of it, and it shows. Lamine has huge potential, using both feet so well that it's hard to tell which is his dominant foot. Last season, he truly shone, especially with 21 goals in the 2024-2025 season, a new milestone. Dembele is an unpredictable player, capable of attacking from both wings, making him hard to read for opponents. He also just had an excellent season, frequently making a difference.

Let's talk about your connection with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the pitch. Is it accurate to say you're the rhythm keeper, while they create the breakthroughs?

That's right. I try to bring calmness to the pitch. We have very talented players up front, so I try to serve them as best I can. Lamine and Raphinha enjoy taking on defenders directly, and while it's not always easy, we try to create space for them to showcase their talent. For example, Raphinha is very good at finding space, and we understand each other on the pitch. He's a great player, extremely effective, and we always try to make the most of this synergy. Off the pitch, we're also very close; he often calls me Pedrinho. (Laughs)

Pedri celebrates winning Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team.

It feels like you're a classic type of player, a creator who isn't necessarily quick with the ball at his feet but thinks and reacts very quickly, in the same vein as Zidane, Riquelme, Pirlo…

It's true that I don't have the same physical attributes as some other players. I have to compensate in other ways. I try to think faster than my opponents, always staying one step ahead. I make up for my lack of power with intelligence in my game. This is tied to my journey. Most players today come from big academies. Me, I started on the streets, watching Barca at home with my parents, and playing for my village club. I learned a lot from street football, from its instinctive nature, where you play for the pure joy of it. That's what allows me to play so naturally on the pitch because it's been ingrained in me since I was a kid.

Like South American players?

Exactly, especially Brazilians. People often talk about players who grew up playing in slums, on makeshift pitches, purely for fun. In the Canary Islands, there's a similar vibe: we play anywhere, setting up our own goals, playing with friends. It's that passion and instinct that helps us progress. In my position, finding the perfect pass also comes from instinct, like an inner eye that helps you see the space.

How did you experience winning Euro 2024, having to sit out from the quarter-finals? Did the disappointment diminish the joy?

Of course, I wanted to be on the pitch to fully enjoy it. But I had to experience it from the sidelines. It was the first time I won a title without playing directly, but I accepted it quite easily. My teammates checked in on me regularly, which helped a lot. Perhaps the pain was more mental than physical. The important thing is that we won. I was there, in the stands, with my left knee bandaged. The physiotherapist told me to stay calm, not to jump too much to avoid aggravating the injury. But really, how could I not be happy, not share the joy with my teammates? It was a wonderful moment.

Spain will be one of the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup. What does the team need to improve to win its second star after the 2010 triumph in South Africa?

We've performed very well in recent tournaments – winning Euro 2024, reaching the semi-finals in 2021; winning the 2023 Nations League, reaching the finals twice in 2021 and 2025; reaching the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup – so we are considered among the contenders for 2026. However, there's still room for improvement. We need to see which players will join the squad and how we develop our collective game. Winning the World Cup is a long and arduous journey, but why not? We have a young squad with exceptional talent, and I believe we will only get better. Lifting the most prestigious trophy in the world is every child's dream who plays football. Of course, it's my dream too.

Finally, where do you see yourself in ten years? With a World Cup and a Ballon d'Or, perhaps?

Definitely, I want to win both! Who wouldn't dream of that? But above all, I hope to be healthy, surrounded by my family, and happy playing football.

Hoang Thong (according to France Football)