Pedri slams Rodri after his Ballon d’Or: “He has become…”

FC Barcelona star Pedri has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. At just 22 years old, the midfield maestro is not only leading the charge for club and country but has also set his sights on football’s highest individual honour — the Ballon d’Or.

Following a stellar performance in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, Pedri has reignited the conversation about midfielders receiving due recognition on the world stage. With Rodri taking home the Ballon d’Or last season, Pedri now believes it’s more possible than ever for someone like him to achieve it.

In a post-match interview after Barcelona’s 3-2 triumph over Los Blancos, Pedri didn’t hold back. While he acknowledged Rodri’s contribution to football, he also offered a candid critique. “Rodri is a fantastic player, no doubt,” he began, “but since he won the Ballon d’Or, he’s changed. He’s become less humble, more calculated. The hunger that made him great seems to have faded a bit.”

These comments have sent shockwaves through Spanish and European media. Rarely does one elite midfielder so openly critique another, especially one as decorated and respected as Rodri. But Pedri insists it’s not about rivalry — it’s about maintaining standards.

“I respect everything he’s done, but the Ballon d’Or should push you to do more, not relax. That’s the mentality I carry. I’m not interested in just reaching the top — I want to stay there,” Pedri explained, his tone calm yet determined.

The midfield dynamo has good reason to be confident. His goal against Real Madrid in the final was nothing short of sensational. In the 28th minute, Lamine Yamal carved open the defence with a clever pass, and Pedri, with sublime technique, curled a right-footed shot past Thibaut Courtois into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of any final, and it set the tone for Barcelona’s dominance.

That moment wasn’t just about putting Barça ahead; it was symbolic of Pedri’s rise. In the most heated and high-stakes environment, he delivered. It wasn’t just another Clasico win — it was a message to the footballing world that Pedri is no longer a prodigy. He is now a leader.

And yet, with all the praise and momentum, Pedri remains grounded. “The Ballon d’Or is a dream, yes. But my focus is on Barcelona — on winning trophies with this club. Individual awards will come if the collective succeeds.”

Still, he couldn’t help but reflect on the recent shift in perception regarding midfielders and their value. “For a long time, people thought only goal scorers could win the Ballon d’Or. What Rodri did last year proved otherwise. It gave players like me hope — that our style of play matters, too.”

However, his admiration for Rodri clearly has its limits. “After his win, I noticed he started doing more media, more interviews, more branding. That’s fine — but when it starts affecting your game, that’s when I get disappointed.”

Pedri’s comments have sparked a debate across Spain. Some have praised his honesty and ambition, seeing it as a sign of maturity and leadership. Others have criticised him for targeting a fellow professional, calling it unnecessary and divisive.

Within the Barcelona dressing room, however, Pedri’s words have reportedly been welcomed. Teammates see him as someone who isn’t afraid to speak his mind — a rare trait in the modern game. His relationship with young stars like Lamine Yamal is also viewed as a major factor in the team’s unity and resurgence.

Pedri also used the moment to reflect on his development. “I’ve learned that being a great footballer isn’t just about talent. It’s about consistency, responsibility, and vision. I watch players like Iniesta and Xavi — not just for how they played, but how they carried themselves.”

That vision is clearly guiding him well. In La Liga, Pedri has been a consistent performer this season, racking up goals, assists, and man-of-the-match performances. In Europe, his tactical discipline and creativity have been vital in Barça’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals.

While Rodri continues to perform well at Manchester City, his form hasn’t quite matched the levels of the previous year. Some critics have even suggested he’s “resting on his laurels” — a claim Pedri subtly echoed.

With the Euros on the horizon and Barcelona chasing both domestic and European glory, Pedri knows that consistency is key. “I’m still young. I’ve got a long way to go. But one thing’s clear — I won’t stop improving. That Ballon d’Or? I’ll fight for it every day.”

His fiery statement about Rodri may be controversial, but there’s no denying its impact. It has reignited the fire in a rivalry that may shape Spanish football for years to come — not just between clubs, but between two of the game’s most intelligent midfielders.

Pedri’s words weren’t just a critique — they were a challenge. To Rodri, to himself, and to every midfielder dreaming of standing on the podium one day. The Ballon d’Or isn’t reserved for attackers anymore, and Pedri intends to prove it.

As the curtain falls on yet another epic Clasico, one thing is certain: Pedri is no longer just part of the future. He is very much the present — and perhaps, soon, the next Ballon d’Or winner.