Imagine scoring twice in a massive semi-final, your first time starting for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and knowing you’ve just helped your team edge closer to a £100 million payday.
For Joao Pedro, that moment was both a personal triumph and an emotional tug-of-war.
Not because the pressure got to him—but because the goals came against the very club that raised him: Fluminense.
Chelsea’s £60 million summer signing delivered big time in the Club World Cup semi-final, firing in two brilliant goals to book a showdown against PSG. But after scoring, he didn’t celebrate.
Instead, he lifted his hands and stood still—a quiet nod to Brazil’s “Lei do Ex,” the unwritten rule that says players always seem to score against their former clubs.
A Journey That Began with Sacrifice
Joao Pedro’s story is one rooted in faith, sacrifice, and sheer determination.
Born in Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo state, he and his mother Flavia moved over 400 miles to the Rio de Janeiro suburb of Xerém when he was just 11 years old.
The reason? To chase a dream at Fluminense’s youth academy.
It was Luiz Felipe, a youth scout at Fluminense, who spotted Joao during a tournament in Valparaíso.
He connected with the family, saw something special in the boy, and helped get them to Rio.
“We didn’t live in luxury, but we always had what we needed back in Ribeirão Preto,” Joao recalls.
“That changed when we moved. We shared a house with another family, and there were times when money was so tight that my mum skipped meals so I could eat more.”
Grateful to Fluminense, Despite the Pain
While the goals may have hurt Fluminense fans, Joao’s gratitude toward his boyhood club remains untouched.
“Fluminense supported us financially and emotionally during those tough years,” he says
. “They believed in me when I was just a kid with a dream. I’ll always be thankful.”
So when he struck those two right-footed goals in the 18th and 56th minutes, he knew the weight of what they meant—not just for Chelsea, but for the club that gave him his start.
From Brighton to Blue: A Fast-Paced Transition
Joao Pedro barely had time to unpack his bags.
Two days after sealing his move from Brighton, he ended his summer break early, flew to Miami for a photoshoot, and was immediately thrown into Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.
He came off the bench in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras, then got the nod to start the semi-final.
And now, he’s leading the race to start in the final ahead of Nicolas Jackson and new signing Liam Delap.
Despite the fierce competition under Enzo Maresca, the 23-year-old sees it as a positive challenge.
“Chelsea is a world-class club. It’s normal to have top players around,” he says. “For me, it’s all about learning and growing.”
A Workhorse in the Shadows
Even while on holiday, Joao Pedro didn’t ease up.
He kept training throughout the summer, anticipating that a major opportunity might come knocking.
“Chelsea had been keeping an eye on me for a while,” he explains.
“So even during my vacation in Brazil, I made sure I stayed in top shape—just in case.”
That preparation paid off. He slotted into Chelsea’s setup with ease, crediting his time in the Premier League and his familiarity with the squad for helping him adapt quickly.
A Coach’s Confidence That Made the Difference
Before officially joining the squad, Joao had a chat with manager Enzo Maresca—one that gave him the belief he needed to hit the ground running.
“We spoke briefly, and he made me feel confident about the move,” Joao says.
“Once I joined the team, I worked hard to understand how he wanted us to play and how I could contribute. I’m glad I could show that against Palmeiras and Fluminense.”
With Maresca clearly impressed, and Chelsea fans already chanting his name, Joao Pedro looks like he’s been wearing blue for years.
The Penalty Question: Will There Be Drama?
With a near-perfect penalty record—18 goals from 19 attempts—Joao Pedro might find himself in a spot of tension when Chelsea next win a penalty.
Cole Palmer is the club’s undisputed No. 1 taker, but fans haven’t forgotten last year’s awkward spat involving Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke.
“I’ve always loved taking penalties,” Joao says. “Every striker does.
I train a lot to stay sharp and make sure I don’t mess up in big moments.
There’s no secret—just lots of practice.”
Aiming for World Cup Glory in 2026
Beyond Chelsea, Joao Pedro’s eyes are locked on an even bigger stage—the 2026 World Cup.
He’s already made three appearances for Brazil and is tipped to be their No. 9 next summer under new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian coach will reportedly be in the stands for the Club World Cup final, and Joao Pedro knows this is his time to shine.
“Of course, one of my biggest dreams is to be at the World Cup,” he says.
But I know I have to earn that by performing well for Chelsea.
I can’t control if I get called up, but I can control how hard I work and how well I play.”
And if things keep going the way they are, MetLife Stadium might not just be the site of his Club World Cup success—but his World Cup destiny too.
