João Pedro named Chelsea best player after Brazil World Cup snub

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Chelsea forward João Pedro has been named the club’s Player of the Season for 2025-26, just hours after suffering the disappointment of being left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chelsea confirmed the award on their official website after the Brazilian attacker dominated the supporters’ vote, receiving more than 60 per cent of ballots cast by fans following an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo finished second and third, respectively, in the voting.

The honour capped a remarkable first campaign for the 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2025 and immediately established himself as one of the club’s most influential attacking players.

Pedro has scored 20 goals across all competitions this season while also providing five Premier League assists, becoming only the sixth Chelsea player in the Premier League era to register at least 20 top-flight goal involvements during his debut campaign.

His performances also played a major role in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph, where he scored twice in the semi-final and again in the final of the revamped competition.

Chelsea announced, “After an outstanding debut campaign in which he has struck 20 goals, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been emphatically voted as our men’s Player of the Season by supporters.

“The Brazilian international will be presented with the 2025/26 Player of the Season award ahead of this evening’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.”

The award announcement, however, came amid disappointment after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti omitted Pedro from his final World Cup squad.

The decision sparked debate among supporters and pundits, especially after veteran forward Neymar was included despite concerns surrounding his recent injury problems.

Speaking after unveiling the squad, Ancelotti admitted some players would inevitably feel disappointed by the final selection.

“Some of the players who were with us this year won’t be happy with this list. I’m sorry, and I want to thank everyone who was with us,” he said.

Pedro later reacted calmly to the setback in a message shared on Instagram.

“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be,” he wrote.

“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”

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