After a revolving door of 19 forwards and a staggering £600 million spent since Todd Boehly’s consortium took control in 2022, Chelsea fans may finally have reason to believe their long-standing striker woes could be over. Enter Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian, signed from Brighton last week, wasted no time making an impact. On his full debut in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense – his boyhood club – Pedro dazzled with two sensational goals that showcased his finishing, composure, and flair.
His first came in the 18th minute, a thunderous strike from the edge of the box after a deft first touch, leaving veteran goalkeeper Fabio with no chance. His second, early in the second half, was just as emphatic: a powerful right-footed finish off the crossbar after sprinting onto Enzo Fernandez’s incisive pass from midfield.
It was a dream performance on the biggest of stages. “I don’t think it could have gone any better,” Pedro told DAZN. “I only came here a week ago, and now I’m going to play the final. It’s unbelievable.”
Pedro’s performance wasn’t just about the goals. He led the line with authority, registering three shots – two of them on target – and competed in nine duels and four aerial battles before being substituted on the hour mark. His sharp movement and link-up play gave Chelsea’s attack the focal point it has sorely missed.
The 22-year-old’s brace helped secure Chelsea a spot in the Club World Cup final – and earned the club £21.9 million in prize money, already covering over a third of his reported £60 million fee.
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale hailed the performance as “a great all-round display,” noting Pedro’s intelligence and vision. England forward Callum Wilson added: “He’s already a player with confidence but he will have wanted to hit the ground running – and that’s exactly what he’s done.”
With a promising start and a final looming, Joao Pedro may well prove to be the forward Chelsea’s expensive rebuild has been crying out for.
