Joao Pedro still wanting to improve in ´special´ debut season with Chelsea

Joao Pedro described his first season with Chelsea as “special” after firing himself into contention to lead the line for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup.

The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for the Blues in 2025-26, registering 21 goals as well as providing six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Among Premier League players this season, only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (40 – 32 goals, eight assists) has managed more goal involvements.

Joao Pedro has also netted 14 times since the turn of the year, a total only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (15) can beat.

“I think my first year at Chelsea has been special,” Joao Pedro told UEFA.com ahead of the Blues taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

“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.”

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has also praised Joao Pedro’s recent displays, the latest of which saw him help the Blues into the fifth round of the FA Cup, after he had netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 rout of Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Rosenior described the Brazilian as a “world-class” striker, though Joao Pedro was quick to say the connection with his new manager has helped his rapid progression.

“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 form this season has seen him tipped to start as Brazil’s number nine for the 2026 World Cup, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Tottenham’s Richarlison and Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha are also in contention, while Igor Thiago has emerged as a surprise contender after scoring 18 Premier League goals for Brentford this season.

Palmeiras’ Vitor Roque has also impressed since returning to his homeland from Barcelona, though Real Madrid’s Rodrygo will miss FIFA’s flagship competition after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Brazil will play in two friendlies against France and Croatia later this month, with reports emerging that all-time top scorer Neymar has been included in Carlo Ancelotti’s initial squad.

Neymar has played in three World Cups with Brazil, but has not featured for the national team since October 2023.