Author: Barkha Roy
About to turn 22, João Pedro has already made significant strides in his soccer career. He started out at Watford before even making his professional debut, had a successful start at Fluminense, was recently called up to the Olympic squad and has been impressing at his current club, Brighton. He recently made the headlines by scoring his first goals for Brighton in European competition, despite losing 3-2 to AEK in the Europa League.
However, João Pedro remains humble and determined, emphasizing that he sees his journey as a gradual process rather than seeking immediate success in Europe. He is focused on achieving his goals and believes in his abilities. His ultimate goal is to represent the Brazilian national team and, although he hasn’t yet secured a place in the first team, he recently had the honor of wearing the Olympic team’s iconic number 10 jersey.
João Pedro’s first experience with the Olympic team had its share of unforeseen events, especially an earthquake in Morocco, where the team was playing a friendly match. The young striker described the surreal experience of feeling the ground shake and the subsequent evacuation of the team for safety reasons.
Unfortunately, his time with the national pre-Olympic team was cut short due to the cancellation of the second friendly against Morocco after a tragic earthquake hit the country.
Regarding his aspirations for the senior national team, João Pedro recognizes that he still has work to do and is making an effort to attract the attention of the selectors. His return to the Premier League with Brighton and his previous experience with coach Fernando Diniz, who played a key role in his development at Fluminense, have put him back in contention for the national team.
João Pedro spent four seasons at Watford, a club that fluctuated between the divisions of English soccer. However, his move to Brighton, a club that has recently enjoyed success in the Premier League, has rekindled his hopes and given him valuable experience. He values his time at Watford, where he amassed over 100 England caps, as a crucial part of his growth as a player.
Under the tutelage of manager Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton had an impressive season in the Premier League, securing sixth place and a place in the Europa League. The team has carried that momentum into this season, with João Pedro playing a key role.
João Pedro has embraced his versatility on the pitch, having played in three different positions under De Zerbi’s guidance. This flexibility allows them to contribute effectively and adapt to the needs of the team. He doesn’t stick to a single position, but is eager to excel wherever he is put on the pitch.
This season, João Pedro has been a key player for Brighton, scoring four goals in several games, including a memorable strike against Manchester United. “Going into an important game against Manchester United and scoring a goal is the dream of any boy who watches the Premier League, and it was my dream too. Now I’m here, playing, happy, playing against big clubs and scoring goals against them.“
This goal had extra significance, as it came after a challenging period in his personal life. He spoke about the loss of his stepfather, who died of a heart attack. The goal against Manchester United had a special meaning, as it was something his stepfather had always wanted to witness.
Despite the personal challenges he faced, João Pedro is now enjoying the best phase of his career. He’s back in the Premier League, catching the eye of the Olympic team and making his mark in European competitions with Brighton.