The Brazilian newcomer is one of 19 forwards Chelsea has acquired since the American ownership group took over in 2022. In total, the Stamford Bridge club has spent over 815 million USD on attacking players since then.

Pedro started on the bench in his debut, coming on in the 74th minute as Chelsea overcame Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final on 5/7. However, his positive impact – two key passes that led to missed chances and a shot saved by the goalkeeper – earned him a starting spot in the semi-final four days later, courtesy of manager Enzo Maresca. The Brazilian striker seized the opportunity, scoring two superb goals.

In the 18th minute, veteran Fluminense center-back Thiago Silva inadvertently deflected Neto's left-wing cross. The ball fell to Pedro at the edge of the box, who took one touch before curling a right-footed shot past 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio to open the scoring.

His second goal, in the 56th minute, was equally impressive. Chelsea counter-attacked, and Pedro ran onto Enzo Fernandez's through-ball down the right flank. He drove into the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that struck the crossbar and went in.

Pedro joined Chelsea for approximately 82 million USD, including add-ons. With Chelsea set to receive around 30 million USD for reaching the final against PSG on 14/7 at 2 a.m., the 23-year-old striker's brace against Fluminense has already recouped over a third of the investment.

Joao Pedro scores the opening goal in Chelsea's 2-0 win against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 9/7. Photo: AFP

Joao Pedro scores the opening goal in Chelsea's 2-0 win against Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 9/7. Photo: AFP

"It's like a dream," Pedro told DAZN after the match. "I didn't think it could go so well. I'm very happy to score my first goals for Chelsea. This tournament could also bring me my first title. I've only been here for a week, and now I'm going to play in the final."

Given this bright start and Pedro's evident potential, has Chelsea finally found the answer to their striker problem?

This summer, Chelsea wasted no time bolstering their attack, bringing in Jamie Gittens from Dortmund, Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, young Brazilian talent Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, and most recently, Joao Pedro. So far, only Pedro, who scored 30 goals in 70 games for Brighton between 2023 and 2025, has shown promise.

In the match against Fluminense at MetLife Stadium, Pedro needed three shots to score two goals. Only Christopher Nkunku had a similar number of shots, while no other Chelsea player had more shots on target. Pedro also became a focal point in attack, contesting 9 duels and 4 aerial battles before being replaced by Nicolas Jackson in the 60th minute.

Striker Joao Pedro (number 20) contests an aerial ball during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final on 9/7 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Photo: AFP

Striker Joao Pedro (number 20) contests an aerial ball during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final on 9/7 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Photo: AFP

Only Nkunku and Moises Caicedo, who played almost the entire 90 minutes, had more duels, while only Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah contested a similar number of aerial battles as Pedro.

"It's not just the goals," Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale commented on DAZN. "Pedro also showed his ability to link up play, pass, and his vision. This was an excellent, all-around performance. He has taken a big step forward in his career. His potential is clear, and hopefully, he will continue to improve."

Former England striker Callum Wilson added: "Pedro is very confident but definitely wants to make an immediate impact, and he did that in his first start. He's a real prospect."

Pedro had 26 touches in the match against Fluminense. Among Chelsea's starting strikers at the Club World Cup, only Jackson achieved a similar number of touches in a single game.

Joao Pedro scores the second goal, sealing a 2-0 victory for Chelsea against Fluminense FC in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 9/7. Photo: AFP

Pedro's touch map against Fluminense.

Delap's touch map against ES Tunis.

Jackson's touch map against Los Angeles FC.

However, not all of Pedro's touches were in the opposition's half. The touch map shows his involvement across the pitch during the semi-final, with seven touches in his own half.

After the semi-final, manager Maresca revealed he had consulted former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi about Pedro before signing him. "Today he played deeper, but we know he has the ability to drop back and link up play. That's why we brought him in," the Chelsea manager added.

Compared to Pedro, Delap had only two touches in his own half when he started in the final group stage match against ES Tunis. Jackson had four touches in his own half in the match against Los Angeles FC.

Pedro also exerted significant influence on the wings, frequently appearing on both flanks to participate in building play from the back. In contrast, most of Delap and Jackson's touches were concentrated in the central area of the final third.

Joao Pedro scores the second goal, sealing a 2-0 victory for Chelsea against Fluminense FC in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 9/7. Photo: AFP

"Every team, every individual has a different style of play: Delap has his own style, Jackson too, and I have my own way," Pedro said before the match against Fluminense. "I think whoever brings more benefits to the team will play."

Pedro's statement was a declaration of intent. He clearly has a strong chance of starting ahead of both Delap and Jackson in the final against PSG.

Hoang Thong (according to BBC)