Pedri beats Bellingham and dominates voting to become 2021 Golden Boy
Stefan Bienkowski
- Updated: 22 Nov 2021 11:34 GMT
- 5 min read
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been named as the “Golden Boy” of 2021 by Italian sports newspaper TuttoSport.
Since its inauguration in 2003, the award has been handed out to the perceived best player under the age of 21 that is playing in one of Europe’s top tier leagues.
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Following Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland’s award last year, Pedri has now been deemed the best player under 21 in Europe by a panel of sports journalists from around the continent.
“A deserved triumph,” said Tuttosport CEO Xavier Jacobelli upon announcing the results on Monday morning, who confirmed that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham came second.
“The Canarian boy, who succeeds the Norwegian Haaland, has beaten the competition by making a void behind it.
“Of the forty journalists whose vote represented the most illustrious newspapers of our continent, 24 placed him in first place of their preferences, another nine in second position and three in third.”
'This trophy makes me proud'
The news will come as little surprise to fans of Spanish football, who enjoyed watching Pedri punch a hole in Barcelona’s starting XI for his talents last season, only to go on and play a pivotal role in Spain’s impressive Euro 2020 campaign.
Although Pedri has struggled to get going this season due to injury, he was more than happy to accept the award ahead of what will surely be a long and illustrious career.
“I thank Tuttosport for this trophy which makes me proud,” said the young midfielder. “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, many thanks to Barca, the national team, my family, 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.”
