Former Barcelona and Chelsea winger Pedro retires

Former Barcelona and Chelsea forward Pedro has announced his retirement from professional football, at the age of 39.

Pedro was a member of three Champions League-winning Barca teams after joining their youth setup at La Masia in 2004.

He came on as a substitute for Pep Guardiola's side in their 2-0 win over Manchester United in the 2008-09 final, then scored the opening goal when Barca won a rematch 3-1 in the 2010-11 showpiece.

Pedro also came off the bench in the 2014-15 final – a 3-1 success against Juventus – after losing his place in their starting lineup, due to Luis Suarez and Neymar forming a fearsome attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi.

Overall, he made 309 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 93 goals and assisting 42, before joining Chelsea in 2015. 

He helped the Blues claim the Premier League title in his second season at Stamford Bridge, also winning the FA Cup and the Europa League during his five-year stint in England.

He subsequently represented Italian giants Roma and Lazio, leaving the latter as a free agent in July despite finishing as their joint-leading scorer in 2025-26, with five goals in all competitions (alongside Tijjani Noslin). 

He wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: "I feel like it's time, time to step forward and start a new chapter in my life.

"I am proud of myself for living my dream and for all the people who were by my side to make it a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy."

Pedro also enjoyed a hugely successful international career, having been part of Spain's victorious squads at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, starting the final of the former tournament – against the Netherlands – and scoring 17 goals in his 65 senior caps.