Barcelona’s midfield star Pedri has reiterated his commitment to team success, stating that winning trophies with his club is far more important than individual accolades, even as speculation about his Ballon d'Or chances grows.
The 22-year-old has been an integral part of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side this season, guiding them to the top of La Liga, the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and the Champions League quarter-finals. His performances have been instrumental in the club’s remarkable 18-game unbeaten run, positioning them as strong contenders for a potential treble.
Despite his growing reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world, Pedri remains focused on collective achievements. "I would rather win the treble than the Ballon d'Or," he stated. "If the Ballon d'Or comes, I want it to come alongside the collective titles. Being nominated is a dream, but winning trophies is more important to me. We are at a time when everything is at stake. You can lose three games and be out of the three titles."
Barcelona’s next challenge comes on Thursday against Osasuna in La Liga. The match was originally rescheduled due to international duty but was denied further adjustment. Flick’s side will be keen to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their lead in the title race.
On the European front, Barcelona faces a tough quarter-final battle against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Should they progress, a semi-final clash with either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich awaits. The possibility of a high-stakes Champions League final against arch-rivals Real Madrid remains alive, a scenario Pedri would relish.
"We must continue to enjoy these matches to get the best outcome," he said. "I would certainly welcome a Champions League final against Real Madrid – it would mean we made it. You can't be afraid of any opponent."
Winning the Champions League has often played a crucial role in Ballon d'Or decisions. Last year, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was overlooked in favour of Manchester City’s Rodri, who won the Premier League and Euro 2024 with Spain. However, Pedri is not letting individual honours distract him from his ultimate goal helping Barcelona secure silverware.
With Barcelona chasing their first Champions League title since 2015 and strong in domestic competitions, Pedri’s leadership and performances will be crucial in the decisive months ahead. If the team’s success continues, individual recognition may naturally follow, but for now, his focus remains on collective glory.
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