What Joao Pedro did for his Brazil teammates who made the World Cup squad instead of him
Joao Pedro’s classy reaction to missing out on Brazil’s World Cup squad has caught everyone’s attention.
The Chelsea star seemed sure to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man team after a great first season, scoring 20 goals since his £60 million move from Brighton.
Pedro’s family and friends were all ready to celebrate when the squad was announced, but sadly, he didn’t make the cut.
Even though Pedro had a strong season, other forwards like Raphinha, Neymar, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Rayan, and Igor Thiago were chosen instead.
Ancelotti shared how tough the decision was, saying, “We were sad for Joao Pedro because he probably deserved a spot given his season in Europe.”
Despite the disappointment, Pedro showed support for his teammates by liking their Instagram posts, especially from Vinicius Jr and Endrick, who celebrated their call-ups.
Pedro also posted a message on Instagram, saying he’s “calm and focused,” and though it’s sad not to play, he’ll be “just another fan cheering” for Brazil.
He wrote, “I always tried my best. Sadly, I won’t get to live my dream of playing in the World Cup, but I stay calm and focused.” He added, “Football has its ups and downs. I wish the best to everyone in the team and will cheer for them to win Brazil’s sixth title.”
Brazil are aiming for their sixth World Cup win, the first since 2002. They’re in Group C with Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti for the first-ever 48-team World Cup, with matches in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Miami.
Other Premier League players in the squad include Alisson Becker, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes, and veteran Casemiro, who will play his last game for Manchester United this Sunday.
Here’s the full Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Marquinhos, Gabriel, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Wesley Franca, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago
Before the World Cup kicks off in North America, Brazil will play friendly games against Panama and Egypt.