Pedro Rodríguez Weighs Retirement as He Pivots Toward Mentoring Next Generation
Former Spanish international Pedro Rodríguez is weighing his retirement while focusing on mentoring young talent through his foundation following his departure from Lazio.
Pedro Rodríguez is back in the headlines following his departure from Lazio, leaving the Tenerife-born star’s future uncertain. Speaking on DAZN alongside Pepe Reina and Javi Martínez, Pedro admitted he is still deciding whether to retire or continue a remarkable career—one that remains unique as the only Canary Islander to win a World Cup.
Looking at the current Spanish national team, Pedro is optimistic. He believes the squad is a top contender for the title, thanks to their impressive unbeaten streak. He feels Luis de la Fuente has found the right balance between experienced veterans and rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams—a dynamic Pedro remembers well from his own time playing alongside legends like Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta.
As Pedro reflects on a historic career that saw him become the first player to score in every official competition, he is now shifting his focus toward management and mentoring. Through his foundation, he is working to build connections between youth academies at UD Las Palmas and CD Tenerife and top European clubs, including Chelsea and Lazio. His project, the 'Royal Cup,' aims to help young Canarian players reach the international stage, with the next edition set to take place in La Laguna.
Reflecting on the current tournament, Pedro praised the depth of talent in the Spanish squad and the team's strong chemistry. Having experienced the glory of the 2010 World Cup firsthand, he now views the game through the eyes of a mentor, eager to pass his hard-earned experience on to the next generation.