'Futile World Cup Disappointment': Chelsea Striker with 23 Goals Left Out of National Team Behind Neymar

*This content was translated by AI.

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro (25), who recorded 15 goals and 5 assists in the English Premier League (EPL) this season, totaling 23 goals and 6 assists, has been excluded from Brazil's World Cup squad. According to local reports, Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, after much deliberation until the last moment, chose Neymar (34, Santos) over Joao Pedro.

Joao Pedro failed to make the final 26-man roster for Brazil's 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, announced on the 19th (Korean time). He appeared in eight A-match games, including the final friendly before the World Cup roster announcement last month against France and Croatia, but did not pass the final hurdle to reach the World Cup.

He is a striker who debuted with Brazil's Fluminense before joining Watford in 2020, moving to the English stage. After transferring to Brighton & Hove Albion, he drew attention by scoring double-digit goals in two consecutive seasons, and moved to Chelsea in July last year. At the time, the transfer fee, including options, reached 60 million pounds (approximately 121.2 billion won). After joining Chelsea, Joao Pedro played 34 EPL matches with 15 goals and 5 assists, and 8 UEFA Champions League matches with 3 goals, accumulating 23 goals and 6 assists in 52 official matches this season alone.

Naturally, his dream of making his first World Cup appearance grew. Although he was not consistently called up during the South American World Cup qualifiers, he received consecutive calls from manager Ancelotti during A-match periods in November last year and March this year after completing the qualifiers, raising his chances of making the final World Cup roster. The only concern was that he had gone eight consecutive A-match games without scoring.

However, Joao Pedro was excluded from manager Ancelotti's World Cup plans. According to local media UOL, manager Ancelotti deliberated until the last moment between Neymar and Joao Pedro. However, while Neymar is a legend ranking first in all-time Brazil A-match goals (79 goals) and second in appearances (128 matches), he managed only 4 goals in the league this season with Santos, totaling 6 goals and 4 assists in 15 matches. His last appearance for the national team was in October 2023, when he suffered injuries to his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.

Manager Ancelotti's final choice, however, was not Joao Pedro but Neymar. UOL reported, "Manager Ancelotti deliberated until the last moment on whether to call up Neymar or Joao Pedro. There were two versions of Brazil's World Cup roster, each including one of their names. Tensions rose when the possibility of Neymar's injury was raised the day before the roster announcement. However, manager Ancelotti ultimately chose Neymar."

Manager Ancelotti said at the press conference announcing the roster on this day, "I analyzed Neymar throughout the year. I confirmed that he has been maintaining consistent match performance and good condition, which led to his selection. Neymar will play an important role for the national team in this World Cup." He added, "It is regrettable that players like Joao Pedro were left out of the final roster, but they will have opportunities in the future."

Joao Pedro, who suffered a futile disappointment of missing the World Cup despite good performances, stated via social media (SNS), "I always tried my best, but unfortunately, I could not fulfill my dream of playing in the World Cup for the national team." He also said, "Joy and disappointment are part of football. From now on, I will be a fan cheering for Brazil's sixth World Cup victory in history. I wish luck to all members of the Brazil national team."

- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

- Defenders: Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Danilo Luis, Alex Sandro (both Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Wesley (AS Roma), Douglas Santos (Jenniet), Roger Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo)

- Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo Santos (Botafogo)

- Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Endrick (Lyon), Luis Henrique (Jenniet), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Hayao (Bournemouth)

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*This content was translated by AI.