Chelsea names João Pedro its best player after Brazil’s World Cup omission

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Chelsea forward João Pedro was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2025‑26, just hours after he was left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The club announced the award on its official website after Pedro secured more than 60 percent of the fan vote, outpacing teammates Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who finished second and third.

The honour marked a standout first season for the 24‑year‑old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2025 and quickly became one of the team’s key attacking threats.

Pedro scored 20 goals in all competitions and supplied five Premier League assists, making him only the sixth Chelsea player in the Premier League era to record at least 20 goal involvements in a debut campaign.

He also contributed significantly to Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup win, scoring twice in the semi‑final and once more in the final of the revamped competition.

Chelsea released a statement: “After an outstanding debut campaign in which he has struck 20 goals, Chelsea forward João Pedro has been emphatically voted as our men’s Player of the Season by supporters. The Brazilian international will be presented with the 2025/26 Player of the Season award ahead of this evening’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.”

The award came amid disappointment after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti omitted Pedro from his final World Cup squad.

The decision sparked debate among supporters and pundits, particularly after veteran forward Neymar was selected despite recent injury concerns.

After unveiling the squad, Ancelotti acknowledged that some players would be unhappy with the final list. “Some of the players who were with us this year won’t be happy with this list. I’m sorry, and I want to thank everyone who was with us,” he said.

Pedro responded calmly on Instagram: “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be,” he wrote. “Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”

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