Pedro reveals Ballon d'Or dream & opens up on rejecting Newcastle

 

Chelsea forward João Pedro has revealed his dream of one day winning the Ballon d’Or after making an electric start to life at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his first five starts for the club, including three in the Club World Cup, and has quickly become a key figure for new manager Enzo Maresca. Speaking to the Evening Standard, Pedro admitted he is also aiming to challenge for the Premier League Golden Boot this season but sees the ultimate prize as the Ballon d’Or.

“It would be a dream one day to win the Ballon d’Or. I believe in myself. Everything is possible,” he said. “Big clubs from England have brought the top strikers from Europe this summer. It will be interesting to compete with them for the Golden Boot.”

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The Brazilian forward’s rapid rise has made him one of the most in-form attackers in the Premier League. His performances have also earned him a call-up to Brazil’s national team for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, boosting his chances of breaking into the starting eleven ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Pedro also opened up about his decision to join Chelsea instead of moving to Newcastle this summer. The Magpies had lodged a £50 million bid with Brighton, hoping to pair him with striker Alexander Isak. However, Pedro opted for a move to London, with Chelsea paying £55 million, rising to £60 million with add-ons, to secure his signature.

“When I was in Brighton, I was missing London a little bit. I had a chance to move to another club, but I chose Chelsea because it’s in London, it’s a big club, and I knew in my head it was the right move,” Pedro explained.

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Newcastle had identified him as a priority target to strengthen their attacking options, but the Brazilian made it clear that location and Chelsea’s project under Maresca were decisive factors. His impact has already justified the investment, giving Chelsea a new attacking focal point after years of struggling to find a consistent striker.

As the season continues, Pedro will aim to maintain his prolific form, fight for individual honours, and secure a spot in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. For Chelsea fans, his confidence and ambition signal that the club may finally have found a star striker capable of leading them back to glory.