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Pedri: ‘This dream felt impossible’

Spain star looks back on moments he found hard to believe

Pedri González went back to his hometown of Tegueste, where he was born on the island of Tenerife, to be honoured after winning the World Cup with the Spain national team, only a few hours before linking up with Barcelona for pre-season training.

Hundreds of local residents filled San Marcos Square to welcome the 23-year-old Barcelona midfielder. Barcelona and Spain shirts dominated the gathering, with a few Tegueste jerseys also visible, while countless children had Pedri’s name on their backs. It underlined just how deeply his hometown values him.

Surrounded by family and friends, Pedri appeared on the balcony of the town hall to loud cheers and applause. As reported by Sport, the tribute carried huge emotional value for him, taking him back to the place where his football dream first began.

The impossible dream: Pedri revisits his childhood memories

The midfielder reflected on his younger days and pointed out that the same square where the tribute was held was once the place where he used to play with his friends. “When I was playing with my friends in the square, it was impossible for me to dream that I would win the World Cup,” he said.

He also spoke about the less visible side of a football career, the sacrifices that people do not always see behind the journey to the top. Pursuing his dream from such an early age often meant giving up time with family and friends.

“There are many things that are not seen, but they are difficult moments you have to go through if you want to one day become a footballer,” he explained.

Despite reaching the very top of world football, Pedri made it clear that his connection with his hometown remains a key part of his identity. “I always carry the name of my hometown with pride,” he said. It was there that he grew up and learned much of what shaped both his personality and the career he now enjoys.

Final emotions: a new haircut to keep a promise

Pedri also revisited Spain’s World Cup triumph and spoke about what he felt during the final. He said he stepped onto the pitch knowing what he could contribute to the team, but with his family also very much in his thoughts. He said: “I had to run for them and for Spain.”

Ferran Torres wrapped up the title at Argentina’s expense, and Pedri was around 15 metres behind the forward when he saw the ball hit the net. He immediately sprinted off towards his team-mates to celebrate.

Recalling that instant, he said: “I was running and jumping, and I couldn’t believe what I saw.”

There were lighter moments as well. Pedri also referred to the story behind his haircut and its white colour, describing it as a “promise” he had made to himself after winning the World Cup.

After the tribute came to an end, Pedri said goodbye to the people of Tegueste and travelled on to Barcelona, where he is joining Hansi Flick’s pre-season preparations. He links up with the other international players whose return to training was postponed, namely Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé and Dani Olmo.

Pedri is now set to begin his seventh season with Barcelona after becoming a world champion with Spain at the age of 23.