Joao Pedro's Stellar Debut Season at Chelsea and Brazil World Cup Prospects
Joao Pedro's Stellar Debut Season at Chelsea and Brazil World Cup Prospects
Joao Pedro has had a remarkable breakthrough season with Chelsea, marking his first full campaign at the club with an impressive tally of 21 goals and six assists across 42 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-26 season. Despite this outstanding performance, the 24-year-old Brazilian forward remains focused on self-improvement, describing his time at Stamford Bridge as "special."
"I think my first year at Chelsea has been special," Joao Pedro told UEFA.com ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. "I came here to help. I believe I've been showing good form. I'm a player who always wants to improve, to reach my highest possible level."
His goal-scoring prowess has placed him among the Premier League's elite, with only Manchester City's Erling Haaland surpassing him in total goal involvements (40, comprising 32 goals and eight assists). Since the start of the year, Joao Pedro's 14 goals are bettered only by Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, who has netted 15.
Chelsea's new manager, Liam Rosenior, has been instrumental in the striker's development. Following a recent hat-trick in a 4-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, which propelled Chelsea into the FA Cup's fifth round, Rosenior hailed Joao Pedro as a "world-class" striker.
The player credits his manager's support for his surge in form: "When the new manager arrived, we had several conversations," Joao Pedro added. "I think my form is largely down to those conversations I've had with him, from him showing that he genuinely wants to help me improve. When you feel that support from your manager, you naturally push yourself harder every day."
Joao Pedro's domestic success has thrust him into the spotlight for Brazil's national team, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He is now a prime candidate to lead the line as Brazil's number nine, competing with Tottenham's Richarlison, Manchester United's Matheus Cunha, Brentford's surprise package Igor Thiago (who has scored 18 Premier League goals this season), and Palmeiras' Vitor Roque, who has shone since his return from Barcelona.
Unfortunately, Real Madrid's Rodrygo will miss the tournament due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Brazil's preparations include upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia later this month, with reports indicating that all-time top scorer Neymar has been included in Carlo Ancelotti's initial squad. Neymar, who has featured in three World Cups, last played for Brazil in October 2023.