Barcelona midfielder Pedri recently outlined his vision of the perfect footballer by combining specific traits from some of the game’s greatest players. In a video shared by the Ballon d’Or official account on X, Pedri highlighted qualities from Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Lamine Yamal, and Xavi among others, showcasing his admiration and deep understanding of football skills.
Pedri quickly chose Neymar’s right foot and Messi’s left foot as foundational abilities. He emphasized Xavi’s passing as another crucial element. For finishing, he selected Cristiano Ronaldo‘s renowned skill. When deciding on dribbling, though initially considering Neymar, Pedri ultimately preferred Lamine Yamal, having already credited Neymar’s right foot earlier.
The Barcelona midfielder also attributed his ideal defense to Carlos Puyol’s intelligence on the field and recognized Ronald Araujo’s strength in aerial duels. To complete the profile, Pedri included Nico Williams‘ speed and Andres Iniesta’s footballing intellect, rounding out a comprehensive picture of his dream player.
Pedri’s Clear Preference Between Messi and Ronaldo in 2024
During a 2024 Q&A session on The Residency, Pedri was asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Without hesitation, he named Messi as his preferred player while acknowledging Ronaldo’s greatness as well.
“Messi, without a doubt. But Cristiano is a great player as well.” —Pedri, Barcelona Midfielder
In a 2023 interview with SPORT, Pedri expressed his hope to see Messi return to Barcelona, recalling the Argentine’s positive influence during his initial days at Camp Nou. He described how Messi personally encouraged him to overcome his shyness in the dressing room, an experience that helped Pedri grow both on and off the pitch.
“I would like it, although it depends on Barcelona and Leo. For me, I hope he comes back. During my starting days at Barça, I was shy to even go to the dressing room, and I stayed all the time in the gym. Leo (Messi) came to me and told me not to be shy, he encouraged me a lot.” —Pedri, Barcelona Midfielder
Pedri shared the field with Messi in 47 games before the Argentine left Barcelona due to contract renewal issues. In contrast, Pedri has faced Cristiano Ronaldo four times, recording one win and two losses.
What Pedri’s Choices Mean for Football’s Future
Pedri’s thoughtful combination of footballing traits from legends highlights a modern approach to the game, blending technical skills, physical abilities, and mental intelligence. His admiration for Messi’s left foot and Ronaldo’s finishing underscores the ongoing influence of these stars, even as they no longer appear on the Ballon d’Or nominee list. By incorporating emerging talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Pedri also signals optimism about football’s evolving talent pool.
As Pedri continues to mature at Barcelona and on the global stage, his reflections on these icons may inspire a new generation of players who seek to emulate the best traits and craft their own unique style. His place among the top 30 Ballon d’Or nominees this year further cements his rising status in world football.