João Pedro: The Journey of a Standout Brazilian Striker
João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus, known simply as João Pedro, is one of the most promising Brazilian footballers of his generation. Born on September 26, 2001, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, he has captured the international stage with his talent, versatility, and determination. Currently a striker for Chelsea in the Premier League, João Pedro has also represented the Brazilian national team on several occasions. This article explores his life, career, and achievements, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a global star.
Childhood and Early Steps in Football
A Childhood Marked by Challenges
João Pedro grew up in Ribeirão Preto, a city known for its passion for football. The son of Flávia Junqueira and José João de Jesus, better known as Chicão, a former Botafogo-SP player, João was exposed to the sport from an early age. However, his childhood was far from easy. Chicão was imprisoned in 2002 for his involvement in a crime, leaving Flávia to raise João alone. In interviews, João Pedro has shared how his mother sacrificed her own needs—sometimes eating only eggs to ensure he had meat—to support his dream of becoming a footballer.
First Training Sessions and Early Talent
At the age of five, João began training at Botafogo-SP’s youth academy, where his father had played. His first coach, Alexandre Ferreira, recalls a focused and passionate boy who was always eager to score goals. Despite his evident talent, João faced setbacks, including rejections from the youth setups of Botafogo-SP and Santos. His breakthrough came during a tournament in Mato Grosso, where he caught the attention of clubs like Athletico-PR and Fluminense. His mother made the bold decision to move with him to Rio de Janeiro, where he joined Fluminense’s youth academy.
Rise at Fluminense
Professional Debut and Immediate Impact
João Pedro was promoted to Fluminense’s senior team in 2019 under manager Fernando Diniz. He made his debut on March 28, 2019, against Flamengo in the Campeonato Carioca, coming on in the final minutes. A month later, he debuted in the Brasileirão against Goiás. The young striker quickly showcased his potential, scoring seven goals in four consecutive matches, including a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Atlético Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana.
His performances drew international attention. In September 2018, before even making his professional debut, Watford in England secured a deal to sign him in 2020 for €11.5 million. João remained with Fluminense until the end of 2019, scoring 10 goals in 37 matches, including a stunning bicycle kick against Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil.
Challenges in Transitioning to Europe
João Pedro’s move to Watford in January 2020 was a significant milestone but also a challenge. At just 18 years old, he struggled to adapt to the Premier League. In the 2019/20 season, he played only five matches, and Watford was relegated to the Championship. Despite this, he began to show his talent in the English second tier.
Career in England
Watford: Growth in the Championship
In the 2020/21 season, João Pedro shone at Watford, scoring nine goals in the Championship and helping the club earn promotion back to the Premier League. His first goal for the club came on his 19th birthday, in a 1-0 win against Luton Town. On November 20, 2021, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 victory over Manchester United, dedicating it to his late stepfather, Carlos Júnior.
Despite scoring three goals in the Premier League, Watford was relegated again in the 2021/22 season. João Pedro remained a key player, showcasing his versatility by playing as a center-forward, left winger, and even attacking midfielder.
Brighton: Establishing Himself in the Premier League
In May 2023, Brighton signed João Pedro for approximately £30 million, a club record. He quickly became a central figure under manager Roberto De Zerbi. In the 2023/24 season, João Pedro excelled in the Europa League, scoring six goals in six group-stage matches, including a brace against AEK FC. Despite a thigh injury that sidelined him for the round of 16, he briefly led the competition’s scoring charts.
In the Premier League, João Pedro continued to impress. Under Fabian Hürzeler, who positioned him as an attacking midfielder behind Danny Welbeck, he scored against top teams like Manchester United and Arsenal early in the 2024/25 season. He finished the season with 10 goals and seven assists in 30 matches, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and hard-to-mark player.
Chelsea: A New Chapter
On July 2, 2025, Chelsea announced João Pedro’s signing for £60 million (approximately R$444 million), with a contract until 2033. His debut was remarkable: during the 2025 Club World Cup, he came off the bench in the quarterfinals against Palmeiras and scored twice in the semifinal against his former club, Fluminense. In the final, he netted the third goal in a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, helping Chelsea win the world title.
João Pedro quickly became a fan favorite at Chelsea. On August 22, 2025, he scored his first Premier League goal for the club in a 5-1 win against West Ham. His intensity, skill, and commitment have made him an essential part of the team’s tactical setup.
Brazilian National Team
First Call-Ups
João Pedro earned his first call-up to the Brazilian national team in November 2023 under Fernando Diniz, debuting in a 2-1 loss to Colombia. He also featured in a 1-0 win against Paraguay in September 2024. In March 2025, Dorival Júnior selected him as a starter against Colombia, praising his ability to act as a reference point in the box and create space for players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Although he has yet to score for the senior national team, João Pedro is seen as a potential future number 9, especially under Carlo Ancelotti, who took over the Seleção in 2025.
Olympic Team
João Pedro also represented Brazil’s Olympic team, receiving a call-up in August 2023. His international experience in the Premier League has prepared him to handle the pressure of representing his country.
Playing Style and Characteristics
Versatility on the Pitch
João Pedro is renowned for his versatility. While naturally a center-forward, he has played as a left winger, attacking midfielder, and second striker. His intense movement makes him difficult to mark, as he doesn’t stay fixed in the box. Under De Zerbi at Brighton, he developed the ability to drift across the pitch, confusing defenders.
Strengths
- Finishing: João Pedro is a natural goal-scorer, with a knack for scoring both inside and outside the box.
- Technique: His ball control, especially in tight spaces, is impressive.
- Intensity: He relentlessly presses opponents, contributing to both attack and defense.
- Vision: His assists demonstrate his ability to create opportunities for teammates.
Comparisons to Ronaldo Fenômeno
Due to his skill and Fluminense roots, João Pedro has been compared to Ronaldo Fenômeno by fans and media. While he still has much to prove, his trajectory suggests he could achieve great things.
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Overcoming Adversity and Family Support
João Pedro’s story is one of resilience. The absence of his father during childhood and his mother’s sacrifices shaped his determination. He often cites Flávia as his greatest inspiration, crediting her for never letting him give up.
Training with Physical Coaches
Even during holidays in Brazil, João Pedro maintains a rigorous training routine. His physical trainer, Rodrigo Gonçalves, who has worked with him for 13 years, highlights his dedication and intensity, even during rest periods.
Connection with Fluminense
Despite his brief stint at Fluminense, João Pedro holds deep affection for the club. During the 2025 Club World Cup, he refrained from celebrating his goals against Fluminense, acknowledging the club’s role in his development.
Achievements and Legacy
Titles
- Club World Cup (2025): Chelsea
- Campeonato Carioca (2018): Fluminense (youth)
- Copa do Brasil Runner-Up (2018): Fluminense (youth)
Notable Stats
- Fluminense (2019): 10 goals in 37 matches.
- Watford (2019-2023): 23 goals in 113 matches.
- Brighton (2023-2025): 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 matches.
- Chelsea (2025-present): 3 goals in early matches, including the Club World Cup.
A Legacy in the Making
At just 23 years old, João Pedro has already made his mark at clubs like Fluminense, Watford, Brighton, and Chelsea. His call-ups to the Brazilian national team and his performance in the Club World Cup show he is just getting started. With a long-term contract at Chelsea and the confidence of coaches like Ancelotti, he has the potential to become one of Brazil’s greats.
Conclusion
João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus is more than a footballer; he is a symbol of resilience and talent. From the fields of Ribeirão Preto to the stadiums of the Premier League, he has overcome adversity to become one of the world’s most promising strikers. His story inspires young athletes, proving that with dedication and family support, it’s possible to reach the top. As he continues to write his story at Chelsea and with the Brazilian national team, João Pedro is poised to be remembered as a footballing legend for years to come.
