João Pedro: Playing style and hopes for special Maracanã return | OneFootball

The forward João Pedro gained greater visibility in the national and international football scene after being signed and shining for Chelsea in the Club World Cup. In great form with the Blues, the striker was called up for the first time by coach Carlo Ancelotti to represent the Brazilian National Team.

João Pedro is not yet a regular figure in the Brazilian National Team call-ups. Quite the opposite. The forward was called up for the first time in 2023, under the command of Fernando Diniz. Gaining more and more notoriety, he detailed a bit more of his characteristics and revealed how he likes to play.

“I am a more versatile number nine, not confined to the penalty area. I like to have freedom to play. I always try to be very active on the field, not just waiting for the final pass or shot on goal, but also helping the team to create plays and finish. But as you have been following me a lot, I can play as a 10 and have this goal-scoring instinct. This has been very important for European football. Today, in Europe, there is no fixed nine. Players are evolving,” explained the 23-year-old athlete.

(Photo: @rafaelribeirorio / CBF)

The Chelsea forward was included for the first time in Ancelotti's list, which had a total of nine new names. In a press conference, the Italian coach explained that, with the National Team already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, he wanted to get to know new players.

João Pedro revealed that he has not yet had a direct conversation with Ancelotti about what his role on the field might be, but he made it clear that he is willing to help in every way possible.

“I haven't had a conversation about my position with Ancelotti yet, but I believe that if he called me up, it's because he liked what I've been doing abroad. It's about putting it into practice here, and I think everything has the potential to work out,” he stated.

João Pedro recalls challenges and awaits return to Maracanã

Revealed by Fluminense, João Pedro shared that he almost gave up pursuing a career as a player. The striker, now at Chelsea, recalled the difficulties faced so far and highlighted the importance of family in achieving the goals he set in football.

“Not only willpower, but my family's support was essential. There was a moment in the youth ranks when I thought about quitting, I was in a difficult time, not getting opportunities. I think she [mother] is very proud of me. Whenever I wear the National Team jersey, I am representing her, but also the country. It's about believing in your dreams because nothing is impossible, and persisting. Imagine if, back then, I had stopped? I wouldn't be here fulfilling my dream, defending the greatest National Team in the world. Persistence, focus, because in the end, everything works out,” he said.

The Brazilian National Team faces Chile this Thursday, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at the Maracanã. The match will be special for João Pedro, who might return to play at the stadium where he made his professional debut for Fluminense back in 2019.

On that occasion, the young forward was brought on by coach Fernando Diniz in the match against Volta Redonda, in the first round of the 2019 Carioca Championship. The player came on in the second half, replacing Zé Ricardo, and played the final 45 minutes in Fluminense's 1-1 draw.

“The Maracanã is a very special stadium for me, it’s where I started, where I scored my first goal, my debut, first hat-trick. Wearing the National Team jersey and, God willing, being able to play will be a very special moment, not only for me but for my entire family. May the first goal also come. It's a moment I've been dreaming about a lot. I will keep working because I know it’s getting closer,” concluded João Pedro.

Brazil's Situation in the Qualifiers

Brazil's Upcoming Matches

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.