Joao Pedro scores against ac Milan in a pre-season friendly for Chelsea

Joao Pedro steals the show as Chelsea beat AC Milan in final pre-season test

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Aug 10, 2025, 6:19 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Focus Images

Joao Pedro’s fifth goal in five games leaves Chelsea fans tipping him as their next Stamford Bridge star after a 4–1 win over AC Milan.

Chelsea ended their pre-season on a high with a convincing 4–1 victory over AC Milan, and while the headlines could have centred on Cole Palmer, it was Joao Pedro who stole the spotlight.

Enzo Maresca’s side were two goals up by half-time thanks to a Milan horror show — Andrei Coubis putting through his own net before being sent off for a last-man foul on Pedro. The Brazilian forward was central to both incidents, his movement and pace pulling Milan’s backline apart.

Pedro’s opener came in the eighth minute when he timed his run perfectly to meet Pedro Neto’s cross, guiding a powerful header beyond the goalkeeper. It was his fifth goal in five games for Chelsea — three of them in competitive fixtures — and further evidence of his rapid adaptation since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro’s Impact in Full View

For so long, Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s attacking focal point, but Pedro’s blend of direct running and aerial presence is giving the Blues a new dimension. His performance was so assured that some fans on social media urged Maresca to take him off early just to keep him fresh for the Premier League opener.

Chelsea Fans Hail New Hero

“5 games, 5 goals. JOAO PEDRO YOU ARE INSANE.” — Chelsea fan on X

From calling him “the missing piece” to joking about a future Ballon d’Or, supporters are convinced the 23-year-old can be the difference-maker in Maresca’s first season. Many admitted they had been sceptical about his fit, but now see him as an “elite striker in the making” who can “do it all with very little effort.”

Joao Pedro 2025 Pre-Season Stats

Stat (Pre-Season 2025) Joao Pedro
Appearances 5
Goals 5
Assists 1
Pass Accuracy 86%

Analyst Verdict

Pedro’s arrival could shift Chelsea’s attacking balance. From reviewing his pre-season games, his off-the-ball intelligence is creating space for Palmer, while his hold-up play brings midfield runners into play. If he maintains this level into the Premier League, Maresca will have a genuine double-threat in the final third.

Key Insights

  • Joao Pedro scores his fifth goal in five Chelsea appearances.
  • Involved in both Milan first-half errors — own goal and red card.
  • Fans believe he could be the “missing piece” up front.
  • Maresca’s Chelsea end pre-season with 4–1 win.

What’s Next

Chelsea kick off their Premier League season next weekend, with Pedro likely to lead the line. Maresca will hope his pre-season form translates into competitive dominance, giving the Blues another reliable source of goals alongside Palmer.


Can Joao Pedro maintain his goal-a-game form once the Premier League kicks off?

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