New York, July 9, 2025 — Joao Pedro scored twice against his former club Fluminense in a composed 2–0 win that fired Chelsea into the FIFA Club World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward marked his full debut for the Blues in sensational style, sealing Enzo Maresca’s side a place in Sunday’s final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Pedro, who completed his £55 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion just six days ago, made his first start in place of the suspended Liam Delap and made an immediate impact. His first goal came in the 18th minute—a sharp, low finish from just inside the box. He added a second just after half-time, capping off a slick team move with a composed strike past the Fluminense keeper.
Despite the high stakes, Pedro kept his celebrations muted, offering gestures of apology to the Fluminense fans in a display of deep respect for the club that launched his professional career.
“They gave me everything,” Pedro said after the match. “They showed me to the world. If I’m here, it’s because they believed in me. I’m very grateful, but this is football – I have to be professional. I feel sorry for them, but I have to do my job.”
A Dream Debut That Delivers
Having made only a brief substitute appearance in Chelsea’s narrow quarter-final win over Palmeiras, Pedro was handed a starting role on Tuesday—and he seized the moment. The two-goal performance not only propelled Chelsea to the final but also silenced early doubts about the size of his transfer fee.
With Chelsea facing a clear need for attacking reinforcements, Pedro’s debut suggests that manager Enzo Maresca may have found the clinical forward the team has been lacking. His chemistry with Chelsea’s midfield and understanding of movement in the final third were evident throughout the match.
Prize Money and Prestige
Chelsea’s victory secures at least £25 million in prize money and puts the club one win away from global silverware. Meanwhile, Fluminense exit the tournament as Brazil’s most successful club in Club World Cup history, but their loss marks the end of South American representation in this year’s edition.
Sunday’s final will be played at the MetLife Stadium, where Chelsea will aim to lift their first Club World Cup title under Maresca’s leadership.
