João Pedro was born in Ribeirão Preto and came through Fluminense before joining Watford in 2020. He helped Watford win promotion to the Premier League, and after their relegation he moved to Brighton in 2023.
At Brighton he became a reliable scorer, able to play as a centre-forward or a No. 10. Chelsea signed him in July 2025, during the Club World Cup, and he made an immediate impact, scoring both goals in the semi-final against his former club Fluminense and another in the 3-0 final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
He has also been capped by Brazil.
Playing style
João Pedro is a versatile forward who can play as a centre-forward, No. 10 or on the wing. He is technically excellent, with good close control and dribbling, and he links play well with team-mates, often dropping deep to receive. He is a good finisher with both feet and his head, and he is a reliable penalty-taker. His intelligence and movement make him effective in different systems, and his quick adaptation at Chelsea, where he scored in his first matches, showed his confidence. He also works hard defensively, pressing from the front.
International career
João Pedro made his Brazil debut in 2023 and has been included in several squads since. His form at Chelsea, particularly at the Club World Cup, increased his chances of a regular place in Brazil’s attack.
Career in numbers
Since his first senior season in 2019/20, João Pedro has made 274 club appearances and scored 90 goals in all competitions for 4 clubs. His best scoring return came in 2025/26: 20 goals in 50 appearances for Chelsea. So far in 2026/27 he has 3 goals in 5 appearances for Chelsea. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.
