Pedro Rodriguez has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39, ending a 20-year career that brought him major honours with Barcelona, Chelsea, Lazio and Spain.
The former forward confirmed his decision on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, after his Lazio contract expired in June. He finishes with 25 major trophies, including three Champions League titles, the Premier League, UEFA Europa League, FIFA World Cup and European Championship.
“I feel that it is time. The time to take a step forward and begin a new chapter in my life,” Pedro said in a farewell message.
“I leave proud of having lived my dream and of all the people who stood by my side to make it a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.”
Born in Tenerife, Pedro joined Barcelona’s youth system in 2004, aged 17, and progressed through the club’s academy before making his first-team debut in 2008.
His breakthrough came under Pep Guardiola, who promoted him into the senior side and made him part of a Barcelona team featuring Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
In 2009, Pedro became the first player to score in six different competitions during one calendar year: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
He spent six seasons with Barcelona’s first team, winning five La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, three Copa del Reys, four Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups. Barcelona records credit him with 358 appearances and 109 goals.
Pedro scored Barcelona’s opening goal in their 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final at Wembley. He also contributed to their 2015 Champions League success before leaving for Chelsea later that year.
Success in England and Italy
Pedro joined Chelsea in August 2015 and scored on his Premier League debut against West Bromwich Albion. He made more than 206 appearances and scored 43 goals during five years at Stamford Bridge.
He helped Antonio Conte’s side win the Premier League title in 2016/17, then added the FA Cup in 2018 and UEFA Europa League in 2019.
His international career included victory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Pedro started the final against the Netherlands, which Spain won 1-0 after Andres Iniesta’s extra-time goal. He was also part of Spain’s Euro 2012-winning squad.
Pedro finished his international career with 65 appearances and 17 goals.
After leaving Chelsea in 2020, he spent one season with Roma before joining Lazio, where he reunited with former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri. He remained an important player into his 30s and ended his career with 794 club appearances and 197 goals.
Pedro will mark his retirement with a farewell event on Friday, 9 October, at the Auditori 1899.
“I leave proud of having lived my dream,” he said.
By Erica Odeenyin Odoom
