Pedri Gonzalez: Barcelona midfielder reflects on ‘impossible’ World Cup dream at Tegueste homecoming

Pedri Gonzalez has been honoured in his home town of Tegueste after helping Spain win the World Cup, just hours before he was due to report for pre-season training with Barcelona.

Hundreds of residents gathered in San Marcos Square on Tenerife to welcome the 23-year-old midfielder. The crowd was surrounded by Barcelona and Spain shirts, as well as some Tegueste tops, while many children wore Pedri’s name on the backs of their shirts.

Pedri appeared on the balcony of the town hall alongside members of his family and friends as supporters applauded and chanted his name. The ceremony held particular significance for the Barcelona player because it took place in the surroundings where his football ambitions first began, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Looking back on his childhood, Pedri noted that the square used for the celebration was the same place where he had regularly played football with his friends.

“When I was playing with my friends in the square, it was impossible to dream that I would win the World Cup,” he said.

The midfielder also spoke about the sacrifices required to reach the highest level of the game. He began pursuing his football ambitions at a young age, a path which sometimes meant missing time with his family and friends.

“There are many things that people do not see, but they are difficult moments that you have to go through if one day you want to become a footballer,” Pedri said.

Despite achieving success on the biggest international stage, he said his connection with Tegueste remains central to his identity.

“I always carry the name of my town with pride,” he added.

Pedri said growing up in the Tenerife town had shaped both his character and his career, stressing that the lessons he learned there continued to influence him.

He also recalled the World Cup final and the emotions of the day. Pedri said he entered the pitch aware of what he could contribute to Spain, while also keeping his family in mind.

“I had to run for them and for Spain,” he said.

Pedri described the moment Ferran Torres scored the goal which helped secure Spain’s victory over Argentina. He said he had been about 15 metres behind the forward when he saw the ball go into the net before immediately running towards his team-mates to celebrate.

“I was running and jumping, and I could not believe what I had seen,” he said.

The event also included a lighter moment when Pedri discussed his haircut and its white colour. He explained that the style was the result of a “promise” he had made to himself after Spain’s World Cup triumph.

After the ceremony, Pedri said goodbye to the people of Tegueste and travelled to Barcelona to join preparations for the new season under Hansi Flick. He is set to train alongside the other internationals whose return was delayed: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde and Dani Olmo.

Pedri is beginning his seventh season with Barcelona. At the age of 23, he does so as a World Cup winner with Spain, having returned to the town where his football journey began to celebrate a success that once seemed beyond his wildest expectations.