Joao Pedro shines with two goals to lead Chelsea into Club World Cup final

In July 2025, in New Jersey, Chelsea faced Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. Joao Pedro, the 23-year-old forward who recently joined Chelsea, made an impressive full debut, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory. The match highlighted Chelsea's strong performance and marked an emotionally complex moment for Pedro, who faced his boyhood club. His first goal came from a curling strike outside the area, followed by a powerful shot shortly after half-time, solidifying Chelsea's place in the finals. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised the team’s overall performance, emphasizing the importance of the tournament as they aimed for global recognition and trophies. Pedro's impactful entry into the match corresponds with Chelsea's ongoing ambition to secure a successful season, which had already seen them contend in domestic competitions. The victory, however, was marred by concerns over midfielder Moises Caicedo, who suffered an ankle injury late in the game, raising questions about his availability for the imminent final match against either Real Madrid or PSG. The disallowed penalty against Chelsea had raised tensions for the team and provided Fluminense a glimpse of potential momentum had the decision been different. Despite mixed emotions about scoring against his former team, Pedro expressed excitement about the opportunity to potentially claim his first title with Chelsea in a critical upcoming match.