* The Spain’s midfielder Pedri continue the heartwarming family tradition after the FIFA World Cup™ 2026 triumph
* Behind that simple moment of joy lies a touching story. Fernando Gonzalez was once a footballer himself — a goalkeeper
* He played for amateur and lower-level clubs than the one his son would later represent, but he was forced to give up football following the death of his own father, Pedri’s grandfather
Maravi Express
After Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the dramatic FIFA World Cup™ 2026 final, midfielder Pedri remained on the pitch of New York New Jersey Stadium after everyone else had left — to continue the heartwarming family tradition with his father.
It has been revealed that every time the midfielder wins a major trophy or medal, he stays on the pitch to take a penalty kick against his dad. e
He finished the tournament without a single goal or assist, but he also lost his place in La Roja’s starting line-up ahead of the Round-of-16 match against Belgium.
Even so, it did not discourage him, and he continued to make an impact after coming off the bench.
Pedri’s introduction in the 62nd minute proved to be hugely important as he created four key passes — more than any other player on the pitch — and although none of them resulted in an assist, they repeatedly forced Argentina into difficult defensive situations.
After winning the World Cup with Spain and completing the trophy presentation ceremony, Pedri did not forget about his family or the incredibly touching tradition he shares with his father.
A video immediately went viral online showing the Barcelona midfielder taking a penalty against his father.
His father had no trouble “disappointing” his son by calmly catching the ball. However, behind that simple moment of joy lies a touching story.
Fernando Gonzalez was once a footballer himself — a goalkeeper. He played for amateur and lower-level clubs than the one his son would later represent, but he was forced to give up football following the death of his own father, Pedri’s grandfather.
That is why every single trophy won by the Spain midfielder is celebrated in exactly the same way for the father Fernando to get another opportunity to feel like a goalkeeper again, playing on real football stadiums.
Now, thanks to Spain’s World Cup triumph, that special family tradition has reached the international stage as well.
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Meanwhile, Spain’s Pedro Porro’s style of celebrating his goal in the semi-final clash with France on July 14 was also another heart-warning inspirational as it was a family touch.
The 26-year-old right-back scored in the 58th minute of the semi-final showdown to give his side a two-goal lead and the Tottenham star celebrated with his teammates, before sitting down on the pitch and raising his right fist in the air.
As with any action on the world stage, netizens were immediately curious to know what his celebration meant and why he chose to do it.
Was it an inside joke? A protest of some sort? An homage to one of his personal heroes? No, the answer came from the heart.
It is reported that when the right-back’s son was asked in a family video what his father does when he scores a goal, Porro’s young son simply rose his right fist.
With his family in the crowd at Dallas Stadium against France, Porro chose to do just that in a charming tribute to his son, Pedro — who Porro explained was not available to watch the game as he had been taken ill.
“My son who couldn’t be with me today because he’s got a fever,” Porro said during postgame interviews. “It’s a moment with a mix of emotions because he hasn’t been able to be here and his daddy scored a goal.
“Being able to dedicate it to him and surely tomorrow he’ll be a bit better. When people ask him how I celebrate goals, he makes that gesture; so I celebrated that way for him.”
Family means everything to a player who first left home aged 14 to chase his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Now, the World Cup has given him a platform to show off that affection and gratitude.
“I’m very happy, especially to have my parents, my wife, and my children here,” he added. “Honestly, it always gives you an extra boost.
“In the future, when he understands what it meant to have my son in the stands watching me, I’ll be so happy about that,” Porro told Marca early in the tournament.—Reporting by Olympics.com; editing by Maravi Express
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