Spain World Cup winner Pedro Rodriguez announced his retirement from football on Wednesday at the age of 39, closing a decorated career that included three Champions League titles with Barcelona, a Premier League crown with Chelsea and 65 international caps.
The former winger made the announcement on social media, saying the moment had come to take a step forward and begin a new stage of his life.
Announcement on social media: Pedro retires football
“I feel that the moment has come. The moment to take a step forward and begin a new stage in my life,” Pedro said in a post. “I leave proud of having lived my dream and of all the people who were by my side to make it come true.”
Born in Tenerife, Pedro joined Barcelona’s youth academy as a teenager and made his first-team debut in 2008, rising through the ranks before becoming a key figure under Pep Guardiola.
Heart of Guardiola’s great Barcelona
Pedro went on to make 321 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 99 goals alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez among other stars.
He was a central part of the side that won an unprecedented six trophies in 2009, and scored in the 2011 Champions League final victory over Manchester United. In all, he collected three Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns with the Catalan club.
“Being part of the best Barca side in history was a privilege, we won everything and amazed the world,” Pedro said in his farewell video.
International honours with Spain
Pedro was a member of the Spain squad that lifted the 2010 World Cup, the country’s first triumph in the tournament, and also won the 2012 European Championship with La Roja.
“One day, almost without believing it, I became a world champion and a starter in a World Cup final,” he said. He earned 65 caps for Spain and scored 17 goals.
Success at Chelsea and in Italy
Pedro moved to Chelsea in 2015 and won the Premier League in 2017, followed by the FA Cup and Europa League in the subsequent two seasons.
He later continued his career in Italy, first with Roma and then Lazio, whom he left at the end of last season after more than 200 appearances for the Serie A club.
FAQs
When did Pedro retire from football?
Pedro announced his retirement on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at the age of 39.
How many goals did Pedro score for Barcelona?
He scored 99 goals in 321 appearances for Barcelona between his 2008 debut and his departure in 2015.
Which trophies did Pedro win with Barcelona?
He won three Champions League titles and five La Liga titles with Barcelona, including the historic six-trophy haul in 2009.
How many caps did Pedro earn for Spain?
Pedro earned 65 caps for Spain, scoring 17 goals, and won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
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Originally reported by tribune.com.pk.
