Joao Pedro Fires Chelsea Past Fluminense Into Club World Cup Final

Joao Pedro delivered a dazzling debut performance to fire Chelsea past his boyhood club Fluminense and into the Club World Cup final, scoring twice just six days after his move from Brighton.

Joao Pedro needed just six days and two goals to announce himself at Chelsea.

Signed from Brighton for around $75 million, the 22-year-old forward wasted no time proving his worth, scoring both goals in Chelsea’s 2-0 semifinal win over Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. On a night filled with emotion, Pedro delivered on the biggest stage against the club that raised him.

Eighteen minutes into the match, a poor Fluminense clearance landed at his feet. Without hesitation, Pedro curled a beautiful shot into the far top corner. He didn’t celebrate, instead lifting his hands toward the crowd of Fluminense supporters behind the goal. It was a respectful nod to a club that shaped his journey to this moment.

In the buildup to the game, Pedro had spoken about the sentimental significance of facing his old side. “It’s not about trying to end anyone’s dream,” he said. “I’m very grateful for everything Fluminense has done for me. But I can’t stop doing my job.”

His second came early in the second half. Positioned perfectly, he latched onto a quick combination and coolly slotted home, putting the result beyond doubt and sending Chelsea into Sunday’s final.

Fluminense, the darlings of the tournament, had earned their place in the semis by defeating Inter Milan and Al Hilal. For much of the first half, they competed well, pressing Chelsea with intensity and purpose. But the gap in individual quality eventually told.

Pedro’s arrival was a bold mid-tournament move by Chelsea, made possible by FIFA regulations allowing two additional registrations between June 27 and July 3. He had been on holiday in Brazil but remained in shape, working with a personal trainer in anticipation of a potential move.

“Imagine if I didn’t train and Chelsea called me to come,” Pedro explained. “Then it would be more difficult.”

Instead, he arrived ready to impress. After a substitute appearance in the quarterfinal win over Palmeiras, he stepped into the starting XI with Liam Delap suspended. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca didn’t hesitate.

“Even if he was on holiday, he looks sharp, he looks good,” Maresca said. His instincts proved correct.

Pedro’s emergence adds much-needed attacking spark to a Chelsea side that struggled for consistency last season. His understanding of space, quick feet, and composed finishing make him a potential game-changer for the Blues, who will now prepare to face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

For Fluminense, the journey ends in heartbreak, but they depart with heads held high. Their Club World Cup run, built on tactical discipline and spirited performances, won them admirers worldwide. But on this night, their Cinderella story was halted by one of their own.

Pedro’s performance not only booked Chelsea a place in the final but also earned the club $30 million in prize money, nearly half the transfer fee spent to secure his services. It was the perfect return on investment.

As Chelsea chase a global title, one thing is certain: Joao Pedro has arrived.