João Pedro has made an explosive start to life at Chelsea, scoring five goals in his first five starts and striking up a deadly partnership with Cole Palmer. The £60m summer signing from Brighton has told Standard Sport he’s “only just getting started” as he sets his sights on Premier League glory, Champions League nights — and Brazil’s No9 shirt at the 2026 World Cup.
The Brazilian, who also scored in the Club World Cup triumph over PSG this summer, admitted he was initially nervous about joining a squad full of superstars. But Palmer’s immediate chemistry put those fears to rest.
“Cole is a superstar,” João Pedro said. “When I came to Chelsea I was a little bit scared about how he was going to react… I said: ‘Cole, I’m here to help you.’ He knows I can help him, and I know he can help me. Together, we can win more titles for Chelsea.”
Chelsea sit second after three games under Enzo Maresca, with João Pedro already providing seven goal contributions in six appearances across competitions. Could he be the Blues’ next legendary No9?
Why João Pedro Is Thriving at Chelsea
The Brazilian has embraced his role as Maresca’s main striker, showing confidence, link-up play and clinical finishing.
“When I arrived in the USA, Enzo said: ‘I want you as a No9’. In training, he says, ‘João, you need to be more clinical in this part, make a touch to the right here.’ I love this kind of coach. If you don’t get feedback, it’s difficult to improve.” — João Pedro, Standard Sport
He has already compared his style to a “modern No9” — able to score, assist, and create in tight spaces. And with Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Moisés Caicedo around him, the system looks built to enhance his all-round qualities.
João Pedro Stats Snapshot (2024/25 Season Combined)
| Stat | João Pedro |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Chelsea) | 6 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Key Passes | 11 |
| Headers Scored | 2 |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
Two headed goals in his last two league games suggest he’s already adapting areas of his game to the Premier League’s physical demands.
Analyst Verdict — John William
João Pedro’s immediate impact underlines why Chelsea splashed £60m. He has the confidence of a lead striker, the flair of a No10, and the humility to improve. Importantly, he complements Cole Palmer, offering Chelsea a modern strike duo capable of challenging Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyökeres in the Golden Boot race.
If his fitness holds and chemistry with Palmer deepens, Chelsea finally have the kind of clinical, charismatic No9 they have lacked since Didier Drogba. His ambition — Ballon d’Or, Brazil’s No9, Premier League titles — is lofty, but his performances make it hard to doubt.
Key Insights
- João Pedro: 5 goals in 5 starts for Chelsea since £60m move.
- Says he’s a “modern No9” who can score, assist, and create.
- Immediate chemistry with Cole Palmer a huge boost.
- Wants Brazil’s No9 shirt at 2026 World Cup — rivals include Richarlison & Endrick.
- Dreams of Ballon d’Or and of matching Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea.
What’s Next for João Pedro?
Chelsea face a tricky run of fixtures including Arsenal and Champions League group stage games — the perfect test for João Pedro to show he can deliver on the biggest stage. His goal is clear: to stay humble but build a legacy to rival Drogba’s.
Can João Pedro turn his lightning start into a legendary Chelsea career — and become Brazil’s World Cup No9?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 4 Sep 2025 11:03
Finally a striker, even he didnt play in that position the last 2 games due to Cole Palmer being injured, he's really fine in everything he does. So happy that we got him and that he didnt move to Newcastle.
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