João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus is a 24-year-old Brazilian striker who plays for Chelsea in the Premier League. He transferred from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2025 in a deal worth approximately €63.9 million. This profile covers his current club, transfer history, position, stats, injury news, and his international career with Brazil.
Who Is João Pedro and What Position Does He Play?
João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus
Chelsea FC
Centre-Forward / Second Striker
Brazil
- João Pedro completed a high-profile transfer from Brighton to Chelsea in July 2025.
- He is a versatile forward capable of playing as a central striker or in a deeper supporting role.
- João Pedro has been capped by Brazil and represents a new generation of Brazilian attacking talent.
- Despite his talent, he has faced intermittent injury issues that have affected his playing time.
- He is known for his technical ability, link-up play, and penalty-taking expertise.
- His transfer to Chelsea reflects the club’s strategy of investing in young, Premier League-proven talent.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 26 September 2001 (age 24) |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Fluminense, Watford |
| Senior Debut | 2020 (Watford) |
| Premier League Debut | 2023 (Brighton) |
| Current Club (2025) | Chelsea FC |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| National Team | Brazil (3 senior caps) |
| Premier League Appearances | 124 |
| Total Premier League Goals | 37 |
Born on September 26, 2001, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, João Pedro began his youth career at Fluminense. He initially played as a defensive midfielder before transitioning to an attacking midfielder and eventually settling as a striker. By the time he moved to Europe in January 2020, he had scored 10 goals in 36 senior appearances for Fluminense.
Which Club Does João Pedro Play for Now (2025 Transfer)?
João Pedro’s Move to Chelsea
João Pedro currently plays for Chelsea in the Premier League. He joined the London club from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2025. The reported transfer fee is approximately €63.9 million (£63.7 million), making him one of Chelsea’s significant signings that summer.
Transfer History and Fees
- Fluminense to Watford (Jan 2020): Undisclosed fee, reportedly around €11.5 million.
- Watford to Brighton (May 2023): Approximately £30 million, a club record for Brighton at the time.
- Brighton to Chelsea (Jul 2025): Approximately €63.9 million (£63.7 million).
Contract Length and Jersey Number
Upon joining Chelsea, João Pedro signed a long-term contract that runs until June 30, 2033. He was assigned the number 10 jersey for the club.
While most reports place the fee at €63.9 million, the exact figure has not been officially confirmed by Chelsea or Brighton. Some sources may refer to different currencies or include performance-related add-ons.
Is João Pedro Injured? Latest Update on His Availability
Current Injury Status
As of the latest available information, there is no confirmed long-term injury or surgery news specifically related to this João Pedro (born 2001). Reports of an ACL injury found online often refer to a different player with the same name, born in 1992.
Recent Disciplinary Issue
On April 19, 2025, while still at Brighton, João Pedro was sent off for flicking his hand into the face of Brentford defender Nathan Collins. He received a three-game ban for violent conduct as a result.
João Pedro’s fitness status is subject to change based on medical reports. For the most accurate and current injury updates, it is recommended to check official club or league sources.
João Pedro Stats and Performance Record
Premier League Career (Watford, Brighton, Chelsea)
Across his entire Premier League career, which includes spells at Watford, Brighton, and Chelsea, João Pedro has scored 37 goals and provided 15 assists in 124 appearances. He is particularly known for his penalty-taking ability.
Brighton & Hove Albion (2023–2025)
- Premier League: A key player and the main penalty taker. He scored 10 goals and contributed 6 assists in his final season with the club before his transfer.
- Europa League (2023/24): Scored 6 goals in 6 games, becoming the group stage’s outright top scorer. He also scored Brighton’s first-ever goals in European competition.
Chelsea (2025–Present)
- 2025/26 Season: Recorded 15 goals and 5 assists in 47 appearances across domestic and European competitions.
- Hat-trick: Scored his first hat-trick for Chelsea on March 4, 2026, in a 4–1 away win against Aston Villa.
Does João Pedro Play for the Brazil National Team? World Cup History
Olympic Team and Senior Debut
João Pedro was called up to the Brazil Olympic team in August 2023. He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Morocco. His first call-up to the senior Brazil squad came on November 6, 2023. He made his senior debut off the bench against Colombia in a World Cup qualifier.
Caps and Goals
As of the latest updates, João Pedro has earned 3 senior caps for Brazil but has not yet scored his first goal for the national team. He has not played in a World Cup tournament.
João Pedro’s role in the Brazil starting XI for future World Cup qualifiers or tournaments is not yet guaranteed. He will need to compete for a place against other established forwards in the squad.
João Pedro Career Timeline
- 2001: Born in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
- 2020: Professional debut for Watford after moving from Fluminense.
- 2023: Transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion for a club-record fee of approximately £30 million.
- 2023–24: First full Premier League season; scores key goals for Brighton and makes his Brazil senior debut.
- 2024: Receives first senior call-up to the Brazil national team.
- July 2025: Transferred to Chelsea FC for approximately €63.9 million.
- March 2026: Scores his first hat-trick for Chelsea in a 4–1 win at Aston Villa.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About João Pedro?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| João Pedro joined Chelsea from Brighton in July 2025. | The exact transfer fee paid by Chelsea has not been officially confirmed by all sources. |
| He plays as a forward for both Chelsea and the Brazil national team. | João Pedro’s long-term injury status is subject to change based on medical reports. |
| He was born on 26 September 2001 in Brazil. | His role in the Brazil starting XI for future World Cup qualifiers is not guaranteed. |
| His Premier League debut was in 2023 for Brighton. | Specific details about certain performance add-ons in his contracts are not always made public. |
How Does João Pedro Fit into the Chelsea and Brazil Setup?
João Pedro is known for his technical ability, link-up play, and versatility across the front line. At Chelsea, he is expected to compete for a starting spot as a central striker or as a supporting forward. His transfer aligns with the club’s long-term strategy of investing in young, Premier League-proven talent.
Comparisons to other Brazilian forwards like João Félix are common but are often misleading. While both are skilled attackers, João Pedro plays a different role, relying more on physical presence and hold-up play rather than the more technical, creative style of João Félix.
Sources and Official Profiles for João Pedro
“Everything you need to know about Joao Pedro”
— Chelsea FC Official Website
“João Pedro (born 26 September 2001) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Chelsea and the Brazil national team.”
— Wikipedia
“João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus, 24, from Brazil ➤ Chelsea FC, since 2025 ➤ Centre-Forward ➤ Market value: €55.00m ➤ * Sep 26, 2001 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil”
— Transfermarkt
Summary: What to Watch for with João Pedro in 2025/26
João Pedro is expected to compete for a regular starting spot at Chelsea in the 2025/26 season. His performances will likely determine his chances of being included in Brazil’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Fantasy Premier League managers should monitor his minutes and fitness status closely as the season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions About João Pedro
What is João Pedro’s hairstyle called?
João Pedro is known for a distinctive braided hairstyle, often referred to as box braids or cornrows, common among many Brazilian footballers.
How is João Pedro different from João Félix?
João Pedro and João Félix are different players. João Pedro is a centre-forward for Chelsea and Brazil, known for his physical presence and link-up play. João Félix is a more technical, creative forward who has played for Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. They are not the same person.
How many goals has João Pedro scored for Chelsea?
As of early August 2025, João Pedro had not yet made his competitive debut for Chelsea following his transfer in July 2025. His goal tally for the club will begin to accumulate once the 2025/26 season starts.
Does João Pedro have a nickname?
João Pedro is sometimes referred to simply as ‘JP’ by fans and teammates, though no widely recognized official nickname has been established.
What is João Pedro’s nationality?
João Pedro is Brazilian.
How old is João Pedro?
João Pedro was born on September 26, 2001, making him 24 years old.
What is João Pedro’s height?
João Pedro is 1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches) tall.
What position does João Pedro play?
João Pedro primarily plays as a centre-forward or second striker.
Related stories
Sarah Mills is Managing Editor at Edinburgh Wire, running the daily desk and publishing schedule.