Chelsea FC forward João Pedro has been voted the club’s Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign, despite the disappointment of missing out on 2026 FIFA World Cup selection with Brazil.
Chelsea announced the award on their official website after the Brazilian attacker secured more than 60 per cent of votes cast by supporters following an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo finished second and third respectively in the fan poll.
The recognition capped an outstanding first season for the 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2025 and quickly became a key figure in the team’s attack.
Pedro scored 20 goals in all competitions and provided five Premier League assists, becoming only the sixth Chelsea player in the Premier League era to record at least 20 goal involvements in his debut league season.
He also played a crucial role in Chelsea’s triumph at the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring twice in the semi-final and once again in the final of the revamped tournament.
Chelsea stated: “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, however, came shortly after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti left Pedro out of his final World Cup squad.
The decision generated reactions among fans and pundits, particularly after veteran forward Neymar was included despite concerns over his recent injury record.
Speaking after naming the squad, Ancelotti acknowledged the disappointment some players would feel.
“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 responded to the omission in a post 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.”
