João Pedro, Chelsea's newest acquisition, showcased his talent by scoring twice in the Club World Cup semifinal against Fluminense on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. However, the Brazilian forward noticeably refrained from celebrating either goal, a gesture of respect towards his former club.
Pedro's journey to Chelsea has been marked by significant milestones. He began his career in the youth system of Fluminense, where he developed from a defensive midfielder to a striker. At the age of 18, he moved to Watford in January 2020. After impressing at Watford, he joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023. On July 2, 2025, Chelsea signed Pedro on a deal until 2033.
The match against Fluminense was particularly poignant for the 23-year-old, as he spent eight formative years at the club's academy in Rio de Janeiro. He acknowledged the role Fluminense played in his development, stating, "When I was young, I didn't have nothing. They gave everything to me". He further expressed his gratitude, adding, "They showed me to the world. If I'm here, it's because they believed in me, so I'm very grateful".
Despite his loyalty to his former club, João Pedro recognized his professional obligations to Chelsea. "This is football. I have to do my job," he said. He also apologized to Fluminense fans, stating, "I am happy to score my first goal for Chelsea but also I know this tournament is very important for Fluminense... I can just say sorry but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals".
His performance against Fluminense earned him praise from Chelsea, with many describing his full debut as a "dream". He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes, leading Chelsea to a 2-0 victory and securing their place in the Club World Cup final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain. His first goal was a curling shot from just outside the penalty area, while his second came after cutting inside about 15 yards from goal.
João Pedro's decision not to celebrate highlights his respect for Fluminense, the club where he honed his skills and began his professional career. It also demonstrates his maturity and understanding of the emotional ties that exist in football, even at the highest level.
