Barcelona’s Pedri questions the Ballon d’Or criteria and says the award “usually goes to the strikers”
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has cast doubt on his chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, pointing to what he sees as a bias toward attacking players. Speaking in an interview with Barça Buzz, the 21-year-old suggested the voting system undervalues midfielders, despite recent signs of change.
‘The Ballon d’Or Usually Goes to Strikers’
Pedri acknowledged that Spanish teammate Rodri’s recent success lifting the 2024 award could pave the way for players in deeper roles.
“The Ballon d’Or usually goes to strikers, but Rodri’s award shows that the role of midfielders should be more valued,” Pedri said.
While not ruling out a future win, the Barcelona No. 8 made it clear the decision rests in others’ hands:
“Why can’t I dream of winning someday? But I’m not the one who decides who’s the best. There are people more qualified to judge, especially those who vote for the individual awards.”
Key Season for Barcelona’s Midfield General
Pedri played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s treble-winning campaign, featuring in 59 matches, scoring six goals, and providing six assists. His work in both defensive transitions and playmaking was critical to Hansi Flick’s system.
However, despite his standout year, bookmakers and analysts see PSG’s Vitinha another midfielder as the clear favorite to claim the 2025 award ahead of high-profile attackers such as Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.
Midfielders on the Rise
Historically, Ballon d’Or voting has favored prolific goal-scorers, but recent seasons have highlighted the impact of deep-lying playmakers and box-to-box midfielders. Pedri’s comments come at a time when midfield roles are gaining recognition for shaping decisive moments on the pitch even if they rarely make the final touch.
