Pedri Eyes Ballon d’Or Glory After Rodri’s Midfield Masterclass Sets New Standard

Barcelona Star Pedri Inspired by Rodri’s Triumph Ahead of Champions League Semi-final

For Barcelona midfielder Pedri, lifting the Ballon d’Or is more than just a childhood dream — it’s a target that suddenly feels more realistic than ever. With the Champions League semi-finals on the horizon, the 22-year-old Spaniard has opened up about his aspirations for football’s highest individual honour and how fellow countryman Rodri’s 2024 triumph has shifted the narrative for midfield maestros.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to win the Ballon d’Or,” Pedri confessed in a recent interview with UEFA. “But right now, there’s a month to go, and the focus is on the team – on winning the three trophies, which is what really matters. Once that month’s over, we’ll see if we can start talking about things like that.”

Rodri’s Win Changed Everything for Midfielders Like Pedri

Pedri’s words come on the back of an inspiring shift in football’s appreciation for midfielders. Rodri’s historic Ballon d’Or win in 2024 served as a clear signal that those who operate in the engine room are finally being recognised on par with goal-scorers and flair players. For years, the award had leaned heavily towards attacking players, but Rodri’s ability to “run the midfield and dictate the tempo” turned the tide.

“Since Rodri won it, it’s shown that a player who runs the midfield and dictates the tempo and the rhythm of the game can win a Ballon d’Or,” Pedri added. “I was really pleased he won it because aside from the season he had, I really enjoy playing with him when I’m with the national team. He’s a player who controls the game really well, wins the ball back, gets forward, scores goals – he’s everywhere on the pitch.”

Back to His Best Under Hansi Flick

Pedri’s rise this season hasn’t come out of nowhere. After enduring a couple of stop-start campaigns plagued by injury, the former Las Palmas prodigy is finally enjoying a sustained spell of fitness and form. Under the guidance of new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, Pedri has been given the freedom to operate at his creative best, and the results have been telling.

There’s a different energy around him this season — a sharper burst, a surer touch, and an aura of quiet authority in midfield. Whether he’s threading passes through tight spaces or orchestrating the tempo of play, Pedri has consistently looked like one of the best midfielders on the planet. It’s no surprise then that fans around the world are starting to throw his name into the Ballon d’Or conversation.

The Numbers Behind the Buzz

It’s not just the eye test that supports Pedri’s claim to greatness. Statistically, he’s been among the top-performing midfielders in Europe. With over 90% pass completion, an average of three key passes per game, and regular contributions in both goals and assists, Pedri’s numbers stack up against anyone.

He’s also proven himself in the biggest matches. Whether it was his commanding performance in the El Clasico win over Real Madrid or his standout displays in the Champions League knockouts, Pedri has consistently delivered on the grandest stages.

Backing from His Teammates

If you needed further validation, look no further than Pedri’s own teammates. Gavi, his long-time midfield partner and another darling of Barcelona’s golden generation, didn’t hesitate when asked who deserves the Ballon d’Or.

“Nobody deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Pedri. Everyone knows what kind of a player he is,” Gavi stated emphatically in March. That sentiment has only grown stronger as the season has progressed.

Competition for the Crown

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Of course, Pedri won’t have a clear path to the Ballon d’Or podium. He’ll likely face stiff competition from within his own camp, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and the electric Lamine Yamal all enjoying strong seasons of their own. And beyond Barcelona, names like Ousmane Dembele, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane are all in the mix.

But what makes Pedri’s case so compelling is the intangible impact he has on games. He’s the type of player who may not always grab headlines but leaves an undeniable imprint on every match he plays.

A Season That Could Define a Career

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Barcelona, back at their competitive best, are chasing a treble this season. They’re on top of La Liga, in the final of the Copa del Rey, and heading into a Champions League semi-final showdown against Inter Milan. These next few weeks will define not only the club’s campaign but possibly Pedri’s Ballon d’Or hopes as well.

“The focus is the team,” Pedri reiterated. “Winning the three trophies – that’s what matters.”

But if he helps lead Barcelona to a historic treble, it’ll be almost impossible to ignore his candidacy for the biggest prize in football. The Ballon d’Or would simply be the cherry on top.

What’s Next for Pedri?

The next challenge arrives on April 30, when Barcelona host Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. It’s the type of match that can tilt narratives, shape legacies, and perhaps even swing Ballon d’Or voting.

For Pedri, it’s another opportunity to show why midfielders matter. Why the men who pull the strings, win the duels, and shape the game’s rhythm deserve their place on the throne.

Dreaming of the Ballon d’Or? Absolutely. But for now, the mission is clear: win trophies first, talk awards later.

And if the stars align, Pedri might just be lifting both before the year is out.