Joao Pedro Junqueira Jes Jesus, or better known as, Joao Pedro, is a skilful Brazilian forward (23 years). He started his football career with the Fluminense academy which he trained since he was 10 years old. Having made the Fluminense first division in 2019 he found back of net 5 times in 29 matches.
His place at Chelsea
On 2 July 2025, Chelsea signed him for £55 million (~$82 million including potential add-ons). The deal was based on his impressive form against Brighton.
Joao Pedro’s dazzling start – Chelsea’s triumph
In the semi-final of 2025 Club World Cup, Chelsea overwhelmed Fluminense 2-0 to meet the final. The new player of the team Joao Pedro was the hero of this win as he made both the goals of the game. The remarkable fact is that it is the debut match of Pedro in Chelsea and he scored two goals against his childhood club. However, he never celebrated his first goal instead he respected Fluminense.
Why did Pedro not celebrate the first goal?
When Joao Pedro scored the first goal, he would not celebrate with the lifting of his hand. According to him, Fluminense was an organization, which introduced him to the world of football when he was 10 and this club means a lot to him. That is why he celebrated the goal calmly and with the respect to his “first club”. This emotional connection in football makes players even greater.
Who will Chelsea face in the final?
Chelsea will now play in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, but who will be their opponent will be decided after the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Chelsea have a chance to claim the title of the best club team in the world.
Pedro’s journey to Chelsea
Joao Pedro started his career at Fluminense. He then moved to English club Watford. After this, in 2023, he signed for Brighton in a deal of 30 million euros, where he scored 30 goals in 70 matches. In 2025, Chelsea signed him in a huge deal of 60 million euros and gave him an 8-year contract.
Chelsea’s coaching strategy and Pedro
Chelsea’s new coach Maresca immediately included Pedro in the team, even though he was a new recruit. This decision showed immediate results—Pedro turned the tables of the match by scoring two goals. Maresca’s risk can now win Chelsea the title.
Will Pedro become Chelsea’s new messiah?
Chelsea have spent 600 million euros in buying strikers in the last three years. Pedro is the latest name in this list. Although he has never scored more than 11 goals in a season, there are still hopes that he can do wonders for the club this time. Will he be able to become a goal machine for the team?
Who are the other strikers in the team?
Chelsea already have many strikers like Raheem Sterling, Nicholas Jackson, Joao Felix, Liam Delap and Armando Broja. But Pedro has made his presence felt in just one match. Now fans are hoping that he can surpass all of them.
Who is Joao Pedro?
Birth name Joao Pedro Junqueira de Jesus, 26 September 2001, Brazil. In 2011, he signed with Fluminense and, in 2020, Watford, Brighton and now, in 2025, with Chelsea. He is a member of Brazilian national team as well, but has no achievements in this level yet.
Will Pedro play Champions League?
This is an even special opportunity that Pedro can get considering that he has never played in the UEFA Champions League up to now. His deal with the Janes Chelsea is going to enable him to make his debut in such a world renowned event. It is against those big name teams of Europe that attention now will be focused on him.
Conclusion
Joao Pedro’s entry into Chelsea has been spectacular. But will he be able to fully justify the club’s trust? Will he become a long-term hero for Chelsea or just a one-season shine? The answer to this is hidden in the upcoming final and future matches. Right now, Chelsea fans are celebrating and praising Pedro.
