GettyImages 2288571744
GettyImages 2288571744
In the picturesque Sydney harbourfront, before Joao Pedro and his team-mates moved on to Hong Kong during our 2026 pre-season tour, the striker was the latest player to appear on the CFC Unlocked podcast.
In addition to selecting a fantasy five-a-side team of Chelsea legends in an auction and offering advice to fans, Joao opened up on his summer trip home to see friends and family in Brazil, what he misses from back home, and the huge role football plays in life there.
He also talked us through the early days of his career, before bringing things up to date by discussing his first year as a Chelsea player – including some of his best goals for the Blues so far – as well as filling us in on how pre-season has been going under new manager Xabi Alonso.
One of the subjects covered was the lightning start he made to his time with Chelsea, beginning in the USA at last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph, something he attributes to the instant connection he felt with his new team-mates on his arrival at the club.
‘The relationship with the guys was very special, very quickly we adapted to each other, like how me and Cole [Palmer] understood each other was very good, especially at the Club World Cup where I arrived and in 10 days I lifted the trophy,’ Joao Pedro explained.
‘So I think the connection was very good and of course I didn’t expect to be Player of the Season in my first season because it’s very difficult when you move from one team to another team, because you need to adapt and understand your team-mates.
‘For me it was very quick. I don’t know if it was because I used to play in the Premier League against them a lot so I already knew them. The connection was very good.
‘Last season wasn’t good, but for me it was very good because I achieved things and now the fans understand what I can do.’
CFC+ subscribers can watch the full interview with Joao Pedro above and find the rest of the CFC Unlocked archive here. If you aren't already subscribed, here is all the information you need on CFC+ and how to sign up in time to watch the remainder of Chelsea's 2026 pre-season matches live.