Joao Pedro has detailed the "frustrations" he has faced at being left out of the Brazil squad for the World Cup this summer, with the Chelsea star claiming he will now focus on cheering on his national team during the tournament held in North America.
The versatile forward was one of a few surprise calls made in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man Brazil World Cup squad named on Monday night, which included a recall for Neymar.
That, however, has seen Pedro miss out despite a standout campaign for Chelsea, which has seen the 24-year-old score 20 goals and assist nine across all competitions for the Blues.
Joao Pedro Statement
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After becoming one of the high-profile omissions from the Brazil squad announcement, Pedro released a statement on social media to give his thoughts on the situation.
He stated on his Instagram story: "I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.
“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."
The Chelsea forward is one of several players who were expected to feature in the 2026 World Cup, but won't be doing so, as Eduardo Camavinga missed out on the France squad for this summer's tournament in another high-profile dismissal.
Pedro's national team career hasn't quite kickstarted yet, having made eight appearances for Selecao since his debut for the side back in 2023.
He was in and out of the squad during World Cup qualification, featuring four times out of a possible 12 appearances, though his appearances in the most recent March international break against both France and Croatia gave some hope that he would make the final 26-man squad.
It isn't to be for Pedro, at least for now, as he waits to make his first appearance for Brazil at a major tournament, with Ancelotti explaining the bold call to the national press during the unveiling of his squad.
Carlo Ancelotti Explains Pedro Snub
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Ancelotti had some tough decisions to make surrounding his World Cup squad, including whether to take Neymar and his experience, despite the decline from his peak.
As the 34-year-old was named in the squad, Pedro was one of those forwards who missed out, with the Brazil boss discussing the decision with the national press.
He explained: "Of course, we are sad for Joao Pedro. For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately, with all possible awareness and respect, we chose another player. I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others."
The decision to include Neymar instead, who has six goals and four assists for Santos this season, may come as a slightly controversial one as a result, but the head coach has outlined just how important he believes the star forward can be.
Ancelotti continued: "We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition.
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"We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup. The evaluation for the whole year was solely based on the physical aspect. We talked about that. It was physical.
"In the last games, he played consistently. He may have the possibility of improving his physical condition before the first game of the Cup. He has that opportunity.
"In addition, his experience in this type of competition, and the affection he has for the group, creating a better environment within the group, helping the team, are all important factors."
It remains to be seen whether that choice will be right or wrong for a Brazil team chasing that sixth World Cup title.