Golden Boy Award – Pedri becomes the first Barcelona player since Messi won the award

Barcelona midfielder Pedal was named the winner of the Golden Boy Award 2021, following competition from Borussia Dortmund and England‘NS Jude Bellingham.

Pedri, 18, becomes the first Barca player since Lionel Messi in 2005 to win the award given to the best young player in Europe.

– La Liga on ESPN+: Replays and replays of LIVE matches (US only)
– Football’s misery index: What remains at Barca after Messi’s departure?
Weekend summary: Xavi starts winning at Barca again

He succeeds Erling Haaland, who won it last year, with Joao Felix, Matthijs de Ligt and Kylian Mbappe are also listed among recent winners.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport, which presented the prize, revealed that Pedri’s winning percentage was the largest ever. NS Spain Internationally received 318 points from 40 journalists voted, 199 points more than Bellingham ranked second.

Golden boy, gold @Pedri.#DreamTeen pic.twitter.com/88SGRcZyn0

– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 22, 2021

“I want to thank Tuttosport because this trophy makes me very proud,” he told newspapers. “Thank you also to my team members and the fans who have supported me throughout a year 2021 that for me has simply been unbelievable.

“Of course, I want to thank Barcelona, ​​the national team, my family, my friends and everyone who has been with me every day without their help I would not have won the award. Golden Boy Award.”

Pedri has had a remarkable year. He joined Barca at the age of 17 from Las Palmas in the summer of 2020 but quickly established himself as a key player in the Catalan side’s midfield.

He made 52 appearances in his first season at Camp Nou, won the Copa del Rey and played a key role in sending Spain to the semi-finals at Euro 2020, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament. fight. He made his international debut in March.

A month after the Euros, he was also part of the Spain under-23 team that reached the final of the Olympic Games, losing Brazil after extra time.

However, injury has delayed his progress this season. He has only made four appearances for Barca because of a thigh problem and is expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks.