Pedri, winner of this same award in 2024, and Yéremy Pino have completed a historic year, adding the Spanish League and Super Cup titles with FC Barcelona and the Conference League with Crystal Palace, respectively, to their World Cup victory. Both players, who developed their skills in the islands, have reached sporting glory after lifting the World Cup with Spain last July.
The recognition, granted by the Government of the Canary Islands through the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, celebrates its third edition. For Pedri, this award holds special significance, as he was previously honored in 2024. Now, the footballer from Tegueste receives the distinction again, this time accompanied by Yéremy Pino.
The World Cup final, played on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey, marked the second star for Spanish football. Pedri González, midfielder for FC Barcelona, and Yéremy Pino, forward for Crystal Palace, both born in Gran Canaria, are part of a generation that has returned Spain to global football elite. Both continue to be important players for coach Luis de la Fuente, with whom they also won the UEFA Nations League in 2023.
At 23 years old, Pedri González is one of the most recognized midfielders internationally. After training in the youth ranks of Unión Deportiva Las Palmas, he moved to FC Barcelona, where he is a fundamental player. In 2026, in addition to the World Cup, he won the Spanish League and Super Cup.
Meanwhile, Yéremy Pino, born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2002, continued his development at Villarreal CF, with whom he won the Europa League in 2021. He later joined Crystal Palace, with whom he also experienced an unforgettable year, winning the Conference League in 2026.
The selection of both footballers highlights a historic season for Canarian football. They share the recognition of this third edition with Eusebio Ledesma, a prominent figure in Canarian wrestling, in a jury decision that acknowledges careers from different generations and sports disciplines.
The footballers will receive the Canary Islands Sports Award 2026 at the gala to be held on November 13, coinciding with ExpoDeca, the Canary Islands Physical Activity and Sports Fair.
