Despite missing out on Brazil's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, Joao Pedro can hold his head up high with how his first season at Chelsea went.
The Brazilian forward finished the campaign with 20 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. He proved himself to be one of the Blues' most important attackers during an otherwise disappointing season.
That is exactly why many fans were left scratching their heads when Carlo Ancelotti announced he had picked Neymar ahead of him.
Joao Pedro cancels holiday plans incase of late Brazil World Cup call
Even though Pedro will still be bitterly disappointed not to have made Selecao's World Cup squad, there is still an outside chance he could be on the plane to North America.
Another unfortunate injury to Neymar — this time a calf strain — means the 33-year-old, who hasn't played for Brazil since 2023, will miss his country's upcoming friendlies against Panama and Egypt. He is also a doubt for Selecao's Group C opener against Morocco on June 13.
As a result of the uncertainty surrounding Neymar, according to ESPN Brasil (via Sports Witness), Pedro has postponed going on his summer holiday to Rio de Janeiro because he wants to remain available should Ancelotti make a late call.
Credit to the Chelsea forward. Most players would have switched off after the disappointment of unfairly missing out on a World Cup place, but he's done the exact opposite.
If Brazil decide they need a replacement, Pedro's decision to delay his holiday plans means he will be fully fit, charged and ready to go.
Neymar should never have been picked ahead of Pedro
Should Pedro find himself going to the World Cup, he will head into the tournament in excellent form and with plenty of football under his belt this season. Neymar, on the other hand, has spent much of the last few years battling injuries.
The former Barcelona and PSG superstar played just seven times for Al-Hilal before returning to Santos last year, but even then has struggled, making just 15 appearances in all competitions.
The reality is that Ancelotti probably should never have put either player, nor himself, in this position. Neymar remains one of Brazil's greatest footballers, but his inclusion in this year's World Cup was laughable.
If Neymar's latest setback does force Ancelotti into making a late change, Pedro will have every right to feel he should have been there from the beginning.
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