Nearly 38-year-old Pedro shows no signs of stopping and extends his contract for another year

Pedro Rodríguez’s football journey is one of quiet brilliance, longevity, and an enduring ability to reinvent himself in the face of time, change, and the relentless demands of top-level football.

As he nears his 38th birthday, the Spanish forward has once again proven that class is permanent. His recent contract extension with Lazio until mid-2026 is more than just a reward for past contributions   it’s a testament to his continued value on and off the pitch.

Pedro’s story began at FC Barcelona, where he emerged from the famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut during the 2007/08 season. His rise coincided with one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history, yet despite competing for minutes with some of the greatest players of all time, Pedro carved out a role for himself. His most prolific seasons at Barça saw him involved in 33, 29, and 27 goals respectively   numbers that would make him a key figure in most clubs, but which were sometimes overshadowed by the brilliance of Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi. Pedro was never the face of the team, but he was always a fundamental part of its success   an intelligent, versatile winger with an instinct for space, timing, and big moments.

In 2015, seeking a more central role, Pedro moved to Chelsea. Over five seasons at Stamford Bridge, he became a key part of the squad under different managers. At his peak, he contributed 24 goals and assists in the 2016/17 campaign and played a vital role in helping Chelsea win the Premier League under Antonio Conte. Even as his role evolved, Pedro remained a trusted figure   a player who brought professionalism, tactical awareness, and a touch of flair to a demanding league.

After his time in England, Pedro made a brief stop in Italy with AS Roma in 2020. Although his impact there was limited, it laid the foundation for what would become one of the most surprising and successful moves of his career. In 2021, Pedro did something few expected   he crossed the city divide and joined Lazio, Roma’s fiercest rivals. The move was initially met with skepticism, but it turned out to be an inspired decision.

At Lazio, Pedro rediscovered form, rhythm, and consistency. He quickly became a fan favorite, not just for his goals and assists but for his work ethic, leadership, and ability to deliver in crucial matches. His role evolved from that of a traditional winger into a more fluid attacking contributor, often dropping deeper or drifting inside to link play. Over the past few seasons, his numbers remained solid, but it was the 2024/25 campaign that truly stood out. Pedro racked up 14 goals and 5 assists across all competitions, making it his most productive season in nearly a decade. His standout display against Ajax in the Europa League   scoring one and setting up another   highlighted that his sense of occasion and precision in decisive moments hadn’t faded with age.

Pedro’s contract with Lazio was due to expire at the end of June 2025, but the club wasted no time in securing an extension through to 2026. It’s a show of faith from Lazio, not just in what Pedro brings technically, but in the experience and composure he offers a squad that narrowly missed out on European qualification this past season. That disappointment   decided by their head-to-head record with Fiorentina   doesn’t take away from what was, individually, a resurgent year for the veteran attacker.

Looking back at Pedro’s club career statistics offers a clear picture of his enduring relevance:

Season – Goals + Assists – Club
2007/08 – 0 – Barcelona
2008/09 – 0 – Barcelona
2009/10 – 29 – Barcelona
2010/11 – 33 – Barcelona
2011/12 – 18 – Barcelona
2012/13 – 18 – Barcelona
2013/14 – 27 – Barcelona
2014/15 – 20 – Barcelona
2015/16 – 11 – Barcelona / Chelsea
2016/17 – 24 – Chelsea
2017/18 – 12 – Chelsea
2018/19 – 18 – Chelsea
2019/20 – 5 – Chelsea
2020/21 – 10 – AS Roma
2021/22 – 16 – Lazio
2022/23 – 11 – Lazio
2023/24 – 4 – Lazio
2024/25 – 19 – Lazio

The numbers speak to a player who, even as he transitioned between leagues and phases of his career, consistently found ways to contribute. Beyond the statistics, Pedro’s trophy cabinet ranks among the most decorated in modern football history. He has lifted the UEFA Champions League three times, the UEFA Super Cup three times, the Europa League once, and the FIFA Club World Cup twice. On the domestic front, he’s claimed five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, three Spanish Supercopas, one Premier League title, and one FA Cup.

Internationally, Pedro was part of the golden generation of Spanish football, contributing to Spain’s triumph at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship. His ability to seamlessly fit into Vicente del Bosque’s possession-based system and offer vertical threat and width made him a valuable asset during those golden years.

Now, as he approaches 38, Pedro continues to defy expectations. While many of his contemporaries have retired or moved into lesser leagues, he remains competitive at the highest level of Italian football. His contract extension suggests that Lazio sees him not only as a contributor on the field but also as a mentor, leader, and embodiment of elite professionalism. In an era where football careers seem to peak earlier and burn out faster, Pedro is a throwback to a different kind of footballer   one who relies on intelligence, adaptability, and a relentless love for the game.

Even without the promise of European competition in the coming season, Pedro’s presence will be vital for a Lazio team looking to bounce back and reassert itself domestically. And for the fans, seeing one of the game's quiet greats continue to perform with class and passion is a story worth celebrating.