João Pedro shines at Chelsea and dreams of scoring at Maracanã for Brazil

João Pedro, a 23-year-old striker, is experiencing a meteoric rise at Chelsea and with the Brazilian National Team, called up by Carlo Ancelotti for matches against Chile and Bolivia in September 2025 for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. After shining in the Club World Cup victory, with decisive goals against Fluminense and PSG, the player developed at Fluminense’s Xerém academy returns to the Seleção with ambitions of scoring his first goal for Brazil at the Maracanã. The journey of the young star from Ribeirão Preto, who moved from Brighton to Chelsea for R$415 million, reflects resilience and growth, highlighted by his quick adaptation to the Premier League and the global stage. The call-up, announced in London, reinforces his ascent and his dream of securing a spot as Brazil’s number 9.

The forward, previously called up by Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior, sees Ancelotti’s leadership as a unique opportunity, especially given the coach’s keen eye for European football. The move to Chelsea, one of England’s giants, was a strategic step for his career, and the results are evident: regular starts, goals, and a world title in just a few months. “Being among the best helps me evolve,” João Pedro stated in an exclusive interview, surrounded by family at his London home.

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• Key moments in his recent journey:
• Debut in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras, playing 36 minutes.
• Two goals against Fluminense in the semifinal, securing a spot in the final.
• Decisive goal in the final against PSG, sealing Chelsea’s 3-0 victory.
• Call-up for the Qualifiers, with games at Maracanã and in El Alto.

João Pedro’s rise on the global stage has sparked discussions about Brazil’s number 9 role, especially after his efficiency in the Club World Cup, with three goals from five shots.

Rapid rise at Chelsea

João Pedro joined Chelsea in July 2025 in a £55 million transfer (around R$415 million), with potential bonuses of up to R$38 million. His Club World Cup debut against Palmeiras was just the start of a campaign that established him as a key player in the title win. In the semifinal, he scored twice against Fluminense, his former club, in a performance that blended respect—no excessive celebrations—with professionalism. “Chelsea pays me to score goals,” he explained, justifying his approach. In the final against PSG, he found the net again, contributing to a 3-0 win.

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, praised the Brazilian’s versatility and immediate impact in a press conference. João Pedro’s adaptation to the Premier League’s intense pace, combined with a 6kg muscle gain since the pandemic, has strengthened his on-field presence. International media, such as The Guardian, lauded his composure and efficiency, comparing him to iconic Brazilian strikers.

• Club World Cup stats:
• 3 goals in 3 games, with a 60% conversion rate.
• 5 shots, 3 on target.
• 1 assist in the title-winning campaign.

João Pedro’s success at Chelsea put him in Ancelotti’s spotlight, with the coach attending the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

🇧🇷🌟

​#TotalLondon

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2025

Return to the Brazilian National Team

The call-up for matches against Chile at Maracanã and Bolivia in El Alto marks João Pedro’s return to the Seleção after a period of absence. He previously played three matches for Brazil: against Colombia in 2023 and 2025, and Paraguay in 2024. Though he has yet to score, the striker is confident heading into the Qualifiers. “Every call-up feels like the first,” he said, revealing his excitement to wear the yellow and green jersey again.

Meeting Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s coach since May 2025, will be a milestone. The Italian, renowned for his successful stint at Real Madrid, praised João Pedro’s Club World Cup performances, noting his importance in decisive moments. Ancelotti’s presence at Granja Comary during preparations for the September matches will give the player a chance to prove himself in training and, potentially, on the pitch.

• September Brazil matches:
• Brazil vs. Chile, September 4, at Maracanã, 9:30 PM.
• Brazil vs. Bolivia, September 9, in El Alto, 8:30 PM.
• Brazil already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on tests.

With Neymar sidelined due to fitness issues, opportunities open for new names like João Pedro, who competes for the striker role alongside Richarlison and Matheus Cunha.

Roots in Xerém and the Maracanã dream

Born in Ribeirão Preto, João Pedro began his career at Fluminense, joining their youth academy in 2011. Developed in Xerém, he debuted professionally in 2019, scoring 7 goals in 4 matches, including a hat-trick against Atlético Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana. His rapid rise caught Watford’s attention, who signed him for €11.5 million in 2018, before his professional debut.

The Maracanã, where he scored his first goal and hat-trick for Fluminense, remains his dream stage. “Scoring for Brazil at Maracanã would be unforgettable,” he said, reflecting on his early career. His bond with Fluminense remains strong, despite scoring twice against them in the Club World Cup. He apologized to the Tricolor fans, emphasizing his respect for the club that shaped him.

• Early milestones at Fluminense:
• Debut in 2019 against Flamengo in the Carioca Championship.
• 7 goals in 4 matches, including a hat-trick in the Copa Sudamericana.
• Transferred to Watford at age 17.

Though brief, his time in Brazil shaped the player now shining in Europe and aiming to make his mark with the Seleção.

Impact in the Premier League

Since arriving in England in 2020, João Pedro faced challenges, including Watford’s relegation in the 2019/20 season. His move to Brighton in 2023 was a turning point, with 13 goals and 7 assists in the 2024/25 season, making him the club’s record signing at £30 million. His versatility, switching between winger and striker, drew Chelsea’s interest, who saw him as an immediate reinforcement for the Club World Cup.

In the Premier League, João Pedro has scored against giants like Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea (while at Brighton). His physical growth, with added muscle mass, and technical precision with accurate finishing have positioned him as a top Brazilian talent in the English league. “The Premier League demands strength and speed, and I’ve worked for that,” he explained.

• Performance in England:
• Watford: 24 goals in 109 matches.
• Brighton: 13 goals and 7 assists in 33 matches (2024/25).
• Chelsea: 3 goals in 3 Club World Cup matches.

Brazilian media, such as CNN Brasil, highlight him as a strong contender for Brazil’s number 9, with endorsements from icons like Romário boosting his reputation.

Expectations for the 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, João Pedro’s main goal is to secure a spot in the Brazilian squad. The competition for attacking roles is fierce, with players like Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, and Richarlison, but his recent Chelsea performances give him an edge. Ancelotti, who has coached Brazilians like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo at Real Madrid, values players adapted to European football, benefiting the striker.

Preparations at Granja Comary will be crucial for him to impress. The match against Chile at Maracanã is seen as a golden opportunity to score his first goal for Brazil and win over the fans. “I want to seize every moment and make history,” João Pedro stated, focused on the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

• Goals for 2026:
• Become a regular starter for Brazil.
• Score his first goal for the Seleção.
• Maintain consistency at Chelsea.

João Pedro’s journey, from São Paulo’s interior to the Premier League’s pitches, exemplifies dedication and talent, with the Maracanã as the next stage for his consecration.