Azubi versus Fluminense recap: Their Previous Encounters
In a thrilling game played at the MetLife Stadium outside New York, João Pedro, the 23-year-old Brazilian striker, scored two stunning goals for Chelsea FC, securing their place in the Club World Cup final. The game was witnessed by 70,556 spectators, and João Pedro's goals were almost single-handedly responsible for Chelsea's 2:0 victory over their opponent.
The first goal came in the 18th minute, with João Pedro scoring a fine curl from around 20 meters. His second goal, a powerful shot into the top corner, was netted in the 56th minute. The VAR footage showed that Trevoh Chalobah's hand, which deflected the ball during a free kick, was not considered "unnatural" by the referee, François Letexier from France, who overturned a penalty after a VAR intervention.
João Pedro's journey to Chelsea began in Brazil, where he was born on September 26, 2001, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. He joined Fluminense's youth academy in 2011 at the age of 10 and made his senior debut for the club in 2019. After impressing at Fluminense, João Pedro moved to Watford in January 2020, where he became a key attacking player, before transferring to Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2023 for a club-record fee.
Chelsea paid 70 million euros for João Pedro's services, a significant investment that is already proving worthwhile. His versatility and goal-scoring ability make him an exciting addition to the Chelsea squad, and he has already made a big impact at the club.
The Club World Cup final will be a tough challenge for Chelsea, as they will be facing football giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. However, with João Pedro in their ranks, they will enter the final with confidence, aiming to secure the $40 million prize money that comes with winning the tournament.
Christopher Nkunku, a former Leipzig player, was also part of the Conference League winners from England, having joined Chelsea earlier in the year. Nkunku had a good header chance during the game, but it was João Pedro who stole the show with his stunning performance.
João Pedro's early life was marked by challenges, as his father, a former professional player, was imprisoned when he was young. However, with the encouragement of his mother and stepmother, he pursued a career in football and has now become one of the most promising young stars in the game.
References: [1] Fluminense official website. (n.d.). João Pedro. Retrieved from https://www.fluminense.com.br/jogadores/joao-pedro [2] Brighton & Hove Albion official website. (n.d.). João Pedro. Retrieved from https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/first-team/players/joao-pedro [3] Chelsea FC official website. (n.d.). João Pedro. Retrieved from https://www.chelseafc.com/players/joao-pedro [4] BBC Sport. (2025, December 18). João Pedro: Brazilian striker joins Chelsea from Brighton for club-record fee. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65325939
In the Club World Cup final, João Pedro's goal-scoring ability will be crucial as Chelsea aims to overcome European leagues heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Remembering his humble beginnings in Brazil, João Pedro's impressive performances for Chelsea have been a testament to his resilience and the journey that began in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo.
