Watching Joao Pedro’s family react to the Brazil team announcement is really tough to see.
A touching video has come out showing Joao Pedro’s family and friends reacting to the Brazil squad announcement after the Chelsea forward was left off Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup list.
Pedro has every reason to feel disappointed. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea from Brighton last summer for £60 million and has been one of their best players this season.
Just earlier this month, after scoring a stunning goal against Nottingham Forest, he became only the 11th Chelsea player in the Premier League era to score 20 goals in all competitions in one season.
With 15 goals in 34 league games, many thought Pedro would be picked for Brazil’s team for the World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. But Ancelotti chose other attackers like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, and Igor Thiago.
Ancelotti said, “There are different qualities in the players. We are sad for Joao Pedro because he probably deserved to be on the list given his season in Europe. But after careful thought and respect, we picked other players. We feel sorry for Joao Pedro and everyone else.”
Before Ancelotti’s words, Pedro’s family and friends waited all evening hoping to hear his name. A video posted on Globo’s TikTok showed their reaction when they found out.
On Monday night, Pedro responded with grace, saying on Instagram, “I always tried my best. It’s sad I can’t fulfill my dream of playing for my country at the World Cup, but I’m calm and focused as always.”
He added, “Joy and disappointment are part of football. I wish good luck to everyone who made the team and I’ll be another fan cheering them on to win the sixth title.”
Here’s the 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