In the high-stakes world of professional football, where triumphs are celebrated with roaring crowds and glittering trophies, Barcelona midfielder Pedri has carved out a deeply personal ritual that stands out for its simplicity and sentiment. Every time the 23-year-old Spanish star lifts a title, he lingers on the pitch to take a penalty kick against his father, Fernando González, who steps in as goalkeeper. The moment culminates in a warm embrace, a quiet tribute that has captured the hearts of fans globally. This tradition, rooted in Fernando’s unfulfilled aspirations as a young goalkeeper, underscores the sacrifices behind Pedri’s success and has become one of the most beloved father-son stories in the sport.

The origins of this heartfelt custom trace back to Fernando’s own brushes with football glory. Born and raised in Tegueste, Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Fernando dreamed of a career under the posts. As a teenager in the 1980s, he played for local club Unión Deportiva Tegueste and showed promise, progressing to the point where he was on the cusp of debuting in Spain’s Tercera División – the fourth tier of professional football at the time. However, tragedy struck when his father passed away unexpectedly. With the family business – a modest bar and restaurant specializing in traditional Canarian cuisine – suddenly in jeopardy, Fernando made the difficult decision to hang up his gloves. “I had to step up for the family,” he later recounted in a 2022 interview with local newspaper La Provincia de Las Palmas. “Football was my passion, but life had other plans.”

That sacrifice paved the way for stability, allowing Fernando and his wife, Rosy, to raise their two sons, Pedro (known as Pedri) and Fernando Jr., in a supportive environment. The family business, Bar Restaurante El Refugio, became a hub for locals and later a pilgrimage site for Barcelona fans. Pedri, born November 25, 2002, grew up immersed in football, often practicing in the streets of Tegueste or the nearby fields. His talent was evident early; at age 15, he joined UD Las Palmas’ youth academy before Barcelona scooped him up in 2020 for a bargain €5 million. Fernando’s influence was profound – he coached Pedri’s early teams and instilled a love for the game that blended discipline with joy.

The penalty tradition reportedly began organically after Pedri’s first major triumph: Spain’s UEFA Nations League victory in June 2023. Following the final against Croatia in Rotterdam, Pedri approached his father, who had traveled to support him, and suggested a quick penalty on the empty pitch. Fernando, donning gloves for old time’s sake, saved the shot, leading to laughter and hugs. “It was just a way to include him in the moment,” Pedri said in a post-match interview with Marca. “He gave up so much for us; this is my way of giving back.” The ritual stuck, evolving into a staple after subsequent wins.

Instances of the tradition have been documented across Pedri’s burgeoning career. After Barcelona’s 2023 Spanish Super Cup win over Real Madrid in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, videos surfaced on social media showing Pedri lining up a shot with Fernando in goal, the stadium lights casting long shadows on the turf. Fans erupted in cheers as Fernando dove to parry the ball, followed by an emotional embrace. Similarly, following the 2024 Copa del Rey final victory against Athletic Bilbao, the pair repeated the act at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. Even during international duties, like Spain’s Euro 2024 semi-final run, Pedri incorporated the gesture, using a water bottle as an impromptu ball when a proper one wasn’t available.

Social media has amplified these moments, turning them into viral sensations. A clip from the 2025 Spanish Super Cup, shared by FC Barcelona’s official X account, garnered over 5 million views within hours. “De las tradiciones más bonitas entre padre e hijo en el mundo del fútbol,” one post from user @Juezcentral read, translating to “One of the most beautiful father-son traditions in the world of football.” The accompanying image showed Pedri mid-kick, Fernando poised in goal, capturing the raw emotion. Comments flooded in: “This is what football is about – family and heart,” wrote one fan. Another added, “Respect to Fernando for his sacrifice; Pedri is making him proud.”

Pedri’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. Debuting for Barcelona at 17, he quickly became a key player under managers like Ronald Koeman and Xavi Hernández. His vision, dribbling, and composure earned him the Golden Boy award in 2021 and a spot in Spain’s national team. By 2026, Pedri has amassed over 150 appearances for Barcelona, contributing to two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and multiple Super Cups. Internationally, he’s a cornerstone of Luis de la Fuente’s squad, helping secure the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024. Yet, injuries have plagued him – hamstring issues sidelined him for chunks of the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons – making his triumphs all the sweeter.

Fernando, now in his late 50s, remains a fixture at games, often seen in the stands with family. The bar in Tegueste is adorned with Pedri memorabilia: signed jerseys, photos from his Barcelona debut, and clippings of Spain’s victories. Locals describe Fernando as humble, always crediting his son’s work ethic. In a 2024 documentary short by FC Barcelona TV, Fernando reflected: “I never regretted my choice, but seeing Pedri live my dream… it’s everything.” The film included archival footage of young Fernando in goal, drawing parallels to his son’s celebrations.

The tradition resonates beyond football circles, touching on themes of generational sacrifice and redemption. Sports psychologists like Dr. Elena Ruiz from the University of Barcelona note its therapeutic value. “It’s a beautiful way to process family history,” she told El País in 2025. “Pedri is symbolically allowing his father to ‘defend’ the goal he never got to in pro football.” Fans have drawn comparisons to other heartwarming stories, like Lionel Messi’s dedications to his grandmother or Cristiano Ronaldo’s tributes to his late father.

Critics, however, question if the ritual adds pressure. Some media outlets, like AS Diario, speculated in 2025 that publicizing such personal moments could invite scrutiny during slumps. Pedri dismissed this in a press conference: “It’s for us, not the cameras. If it inspires others, great.” Barcelona has embraced it, incorporating family elements into club culture under president Joan Laporta’s tenure.

As Pedri eyes more silverware – with Barcelona challenging for the 2025-26 Champions League and La Liga – the tradition shows no signs of fading. After the recent Super Cup win on January 11, 2026, against Real Madrid, the pair was at it again, Fernando saving a cheeky chip shot. “Traditions like this keep the game human,” said Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto post-match.

In an era of mega-transfers and global stardom, Pedri’s penalty kicks offer a reminder of football’s roots. For Fernando, each save is a victory deferred no longer. As one viral Instagram reel put it: “Awwww… This personal tradition began as a way to honour their shared love for the game.” The Messi’s of the world may dominate headlines, but Pedri and Fernando’s bond proves that sometimes, the most beautiful goals are scored off the scoresheet.

The story has inspired fan art, merchandise, and even youth programs in Tenerife emphasizing family involvement in sports. Pedri’s foundation, launched in 2024, supports aspiring athletes from modest backgrounds, echoing his father’s path. “I want to help kids chase dreams their parents couldn’t,” he said at the launch.

Looking ahead, with Pedri contracted to Barcelona until 2026 (with options to extend), more trophies – and penalties – seem inevitable. Fernando, ever the supportive dad, joked in a recent radio interview: “I’m getting better at saving them. Maybe I’ll debut yet!” Laughter aside, the ritual endures as a testament to resilience, love, and the beautiful game.