João Pedro made a stunning impact on Tuesday by scoring two incredible goals during the match between Chelsea and Fluminense in the semifinals of the 2025 Club World Cup, which was broadcast live on Disney+ for South America.
Making his first start for Chelsea, the Brazilian forward, who recently joined the Blues, opened the scoring at MetLife Stadium in the 18th minute. The play began with a break from Pedro Neto on the left side, whose cross led to a short clearance by Thiago Silva. João Pedro, formerly of Fluminense, seized the opportunity, skillfully placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Fábio’s reach.
In the second half, at the 56-minute mark, he struck again, this time capitalizing on a long pass from Enzo Fernández. After receiving the ball, he sped down the left flank and then skillfully cut inside before unleashing a powerful shot that hit the crossbar and went in, extending Chelsea’s lead to 2-0.
Despite his impressive performance, João Pedro chose not to celebrate either goal, expressing regret to the Fluminense fans due to his history with the club, where he played before moving to England. This match marked a distinct moment in the tournament, as it was the first instance of a player scoring against their former team.
João Pedro’s exceptional display not only highlights his potential impact in the world of football but also adds to the narrative of players navigating the emotions tied to their past clubs. This event serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and the emotional connections within the sport, setting a hopeful tone for his future contributions to Chelsea.