Barcelona’s Pedri included on 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been nominated for the 2021 Ballon d’Or and is one of 30 players up for the prestigious award.

The teenager enjoyed a superb season for the Catalan giants, becoming a regular straight after his move from Las Palmas and also breaking onto the international scene.

Pedri also quickly became an integral player for Spain and was named the Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020 as Luis Enrique’s side made it to the semi-finals.

The teenager joins a list full of the game’s top stars, with Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski among the favorites to win the Golden Ball.

The 18-year-old is also one of 10 players in contention to win the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best Under-21 Player of the Year.

Pedri is up against players including Mason Greenwood, Ryan Gravenberch, Jamal Musiala, and Bukaya Saka.

Here’s a look at the full list.

Matthijs de Ligt won the award last time it was held in 2019, while a certain French striker called Kylian Mbappe claimed it the year before.

Congratulations and good luck to Pedri!