Fernando Alonso isn’t just a two-time Formula One world champion – he’s also a lifelong Real Madrid supporter.
Born in Oviedo, Spain, the racing legend has been spotted at the Santiago Bernabéu on numerous occasions and has even been named an honorary member of the club. So when he suggested Los Blancos sign a player from their biggest rivals, Barcelona, it naturally made headlines.
Speaking to DAZN ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso was asked a cheeky but intriguing question: “If you could sign one Barcelona player for Real Madrid, who would it be?”
Smiling, Alonso gave a playful — and strategic — answer: “I would sign Pedri for Madrid, to weaken Barça. I also do that on the PlayStation… and then leave him on the bench.”
The comment, delivered with a tongue-in-cheek grin, caught many off guard. With Barcelona having just pipped Madrid to La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup this season, some might have expected Alonso to choose stars like Lamine Yamal or Raphinha, who combined for a staggering 102 goal contributions in 2025/26.
But Pedri — who quietly returned to his best this year — was central to Barça’s midfield dominance, dictating the tempo and controlling matches in a way that evoked legends like Xavi and Iniesta. While he may not be the flashiest name on the team sheet, Pedri is undoubtedly one of their most vital.
So, while Alonso’s answer may have started as a joke, it reflects a deeper truth: to hurt Barcelona, you take away their heartbeat.
