Pedri will wear Iniesta’s legendary number #8 for Barcelona next season – report | OneFootball

There are four jersey numbers that are considered sacred at Barcelona. The first one is obviously #10, donned by the likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Maradona, and of course, Lionel Messi.

Carlos Puyol made #5 iconic, and the legacy was carried forward by Sergio Busquets. The #6 was worn by Xavi Hernandez, and for a season, Dani Alves, who also took over Andres Iniesta’s legendary #8 during the 2021/22 season.

While most of these are in other hands now, #8 is free to be taken up next season. According to Gerard Romero, Pedri will wear the jersey next season.

Alves left the club on a free transfer after completing his short-term contract. He has previously talked about giving up the #8 jersey for Pedri.

“I read in an interview that he said he liked the number 8 and I spoke to the people at the club, that next season if he wants it he can take it, if I stay, of course. If I leave, he can take it straight away,“ he said in April.

“If he wants it, it’s his, but there is only one mission, we have to defend it well, because this shirt has been worn by great people, very special people, especially for me, like Iniesta or Hristo… they are people who have done a lot for this club,” Alves added.

It is hard to escape the Pedri-Iniesta comparisons, especially after the youngster’s season. Should he take up the legendary midfielder’s number, the pressure on his shoulders is bound to increase. Can he live up to the Don’s legacy?