Pedri’s year has gone from more to less due to an injury, but he closes an unforgettable 2021 with the conquest of the Golden Boy. The Italian media Tuttosport announced that it is the winner of the prestigious award that rewards the best young player in European football under 21 years of age. The votes are made by journalists of the European Media Association, one per country, and there is also a section for the votes of the fans through the web. “Of the 40 journalists who vote, 24 placed it in the first place of their preferences, another 9 in the second position and 3 in the third”, said Xavier Jacobelli, director of Tuttosport.
The canary succeeds Haaland, neither more nor less, and prevailed in the voting against other emerging talents. He is the third Spaniard to win the Golden Boy after Isco and Cesc. It has also been recently won by world-class stars such as Joao Félix, Mbappé or De Ligt. The delivery ceremony for the current edition will be on December 13.
Pedri was key in Koeman’s Barça last year, with which he was champion of the Copa del Rey, and also had a prominent role in the European Championship, in which he was indisputable for Luis Enrique and ended up being named best young player of the tournament . Besides that, his busy summer allowed him to reach the silver medal in the Tokyo Games, a sensational merit for his interests and those of his team.
Excessive wear made the end of the year more turbulent. An injury and a subsequent relapse led him to stop for several weeks that in the end have turned into months, because until 2022 he will not be able to play again. In any case, the year is magnificent and Golden Boy explains it.
Pedri, grateful
From Barcelona, the Barcelona player sent a video message: “I thank Tuttosport for this trophy that I am proud of. Thanks also to all the members of the jury and the fans who have always supported me in this simply incredible 2021 for me. And of course, thank you very much to Barça, to the national team, to my family, to my friends and obviously to all those who have been close to me day after day without whom I would not have been able to win the Golden Boy “, he commented.
Others awards
In addition to the Golden Boy, Tuttosport awarded the award for best player based on votes on the web and the category featured Adeyemi (Salzburg) as the winner. It was also announced that Lewandowski won the Golden Player, an award given to the best player of any age.
