Pedri's Bold Admission: The One Real Madrid Star He Wants at Barcelona

 

​In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Spanish football landscape, Barcelona midfield maestro Pedri has openly named the one Real Madrid player he would love to see join the ranks at the Camp Nou. During a light-hearted yet revealing appearance on the popular Spanish television show El Hormiguero on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the 23-year-old Spain international didn't hesitate when asked which rival he would bring to Catalonia. His answer was unanimous and immediate: Kylian Mbappé.

​The Interview: Pedri and Ferran Torres on El Hormiguero

​Pedri was joined on the show by teammate and fellow Spain international Ferran Torres. The duo, who have been instrumental in Hansi Flick's successful tenure at Barcelona, provided a rare glimpse into the mutual respect that exists between elite professionals, despite the fierce El Clásico rivalry.

​When the host posed the intriguing question of which Real Madrid star they would sign if given the chance, Pedri turned to Torres, and both simultaneously agreed on the French captain. "If I could sign one Real Madrid player for Barcelona, who would it be? Kylian Mbappé," Pedri stated. Torres echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the sheer gravity and talent that the Frenchman brings to the pitch.

​Why Kylian Mbappé? The Numbers Behind the Choice

​The choice of Mbappé is hardly surprising given his astronomical impact since joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. As of February 2026, Mbappé has solidified his status as the most lethal forward in world football.

​A Season of Records

​Mbappé's statistics for the 2025/2026 campaign are a testament to his "goal machine" reputation:

• ​La Liga Dominance: He currently leads the scoring charts with 23 goals in the domestic league.
• ​European Masterclass: In the UEFA Champions League, he has already notched 13 goals, including multiple hat-tricks.
• ​Overall Impact: Across all competitions this term, he has amassed 38 goals and 6 assists in just 33 appearances.

​For Pedri, a player whose game is built on vision and creating opportunities, the prospect of having a runner like Mbappé to find with his trademark through-balls is a "footballing dream," even if it remains a logistical impossibility given the rivalry.

​"All You Can Do is Pray": Facing Vinicius and Mbappé

​Beyond the transfer talk, Pedri also spoke humorously about the difficulties of facing Real Madrid’s lightning-fast attack. When asked about the opponents he dreads facing in a speed duel, he admitted his own limitations with a laugh.

​“A player I wouldn’t want to face in a speed duel? Almost everyone, I’m a bit slow,” Pedri joked. He specifically singled out Vinicius Junior alongside Mbappé as the ultimate nightmares for a midfielder tracking back. “When the ball goes to Vinicius Junior, all you can do is pray. He runs three times faster than me.”

​The State of the Rivalry in 2026

​While Pedri’s comments were made in a friendly television setting, they come at a time of immense tension and competition in La Liga. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona has enjoyed a resurgence, recently winning the Copa del Rey final in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid.

​As it stands, Barcelona leads the La Liga table, with Real Madrid trailing by just a single point. With the next El Clásico scheduled for May 10, 2026, the title race is expected to go down to the wire. Pedri’s admiration for Mbappé adds a layer of "sporting respect" to a rivalry that often feels like a battlefield.

​Tactical Context: Could Mbappé Fit at Barca?

​While financial constraints and tribalism make a move impossible, tactically, the addition of a player like Mbappé would transform Barcelona's current "heavy metal" football under Flick.

• ​Synergy with Lamine Yamal: Imagine an attack featuring Yamal on the right and Mbappé on the left—a nightmare for any defensive line.
• ​Relieving Lewandowski: With Robert Lewandowski approaching the twilight of his career, a "ready-made" successor like Mbappé is exactly what any top club would desire.

​Conclusion

​Pedri’s admission serves as a reminder that even in the heat of the greatest rivalry in sports, greatness recognizes greatness. Kylian Mbappé’s influence on the game is so profound that even his biggest rivals can’t help but imagine him in their colors. For now, Pedri will have to settle for trying to stop the Frenchman on May 10th rather than playing alongside him.