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Former Barcelona and Chelsea winger Pedro has announced his retirement from professional football at 39, bringing his career of more than two decades to an end after winning three UEFA Champions League titles and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain.
The Spanish international confirmed his decision Wednesday in an Instagram post, saying he was ready to move on to a new chapter after spending much of his career playing in Spain, England and Italy.
"I feel like it's time, time to step forward and start a new chapter in my life," Pedro wrote.
Reflecting on his career, he thanked those who had supported him and expressed gratitude for being able to fulfill his childhood dream.
"Thank you, football, for making me so happy," he added.
Pedro joined Barcelona's La Masia youth academy in 2004 and went on to establish himself in the first team, helping the Spanish club win three Champions League titles in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Among his most memorable contributions was the opening goal in Barcelona's 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final.
After seven seasons with Barcelona's senior team, Pedro moved to Chelsea in 2015, where he spent five seasons and added the English Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League to his trophy collection.
Pedro moved to Italy in 2020, initially joining Roma before switching to their city rivals Lazio the following year.
He left Lazio at the end of the 2025-26 season, finishing his final campaign as the club's joint-leading scorer across all competitions with five goals.
Internationally, Pedro made 65 appearances and scored 17 goals for Spain, playing a part in the national team's victories at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012.
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