Joao Pedro talks Ballon d'Or ambitions, reveals he was 'scared' to meet Cole Palmer, compares Estevao Willian to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior
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Published 04/09/2025 at 17:48 GMT+1
Joao Pedro has enjoyed a bright start to his career at Chelsea, finding the net twice in three Premier League outings. But the Brazil international conceded he was uneasy to make the acquaintance of "superstar" Cole Palmer before his move, despite backing himself to challenge for the Ballon d'Or one day. Joao Pedro also holds compatriot Estevao Willian in the highest esteem.
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Summer signing Joao Pedro admitted he was "scared" to meet Chelsea team-mate and "superstar" Cole Palmer, and believes he has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or one day.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion forward has hit the ground running since completing his move to London, scoring twice in three Premier League appearances wearing royal blue.
And after picking up a maiden piece of silverware at the FIFA Club World Cup, Pedro is determined to add both individual and collective awards to his trophy cabinet.
The 23-year-old's relationship with Palmer could be crucial in Chelsea's bid for trophies, and while the Brazilian was apprehensive before meeting the midfielder, mutual "good chemistry" has already started to blossom.
"Cole is a superstar," Joao Pedro told The Standard. "When I came to Chelsea I was a little bit scared about how he was going to react, because I was the main guy at Brighton. I knew Chelsea would be different. I said: ‘Cole, I’m here to help you’.
"He knows I can help him, and I know he can help me. We have a good chemistry on the pitch; I think he feels the same. Together, we can win more titles for Chelsea.
"Cole doesn’t like to talk much, but we talk about how good the season can be if we link up. When I joined in the USA, he asked me how many goals I am going to score this season.
"I call him sometimes. After he didn’t play at West Ham, the next day I texted him. We have a very good relationship."
Palmer suffered a groin injury before facing West Ham United in August and it is not yet clear when the England international will return.
But Joao Pedro is confident he can continue to produce at the sharp end of the pitch to fire Chelsea's title charge, and has his eye on individual accolades, including the Premier League's Golden Boot and the Ballon d'Or.
"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," said Joao Pedro.
"It would be a dream one day to win the Ballon d’Or. I believe in myself. Everything is possible. Maybe it can happen.
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"It’s too early to say whether we’re going to win it [the Premier League] or not. But if you watch us, you’ll say we have a good chance. I agree.
"If we won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, it will be a top season. And if you win titles, you can be a legend."
Alongside Pedro, the Londoners brought in a raft of attacking talent, including Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao Willian.
The latter made a strong impression against his future club for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup, and has made an even bigger impact on his new team-mates since his arrival in the capital.
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Pedro has revealed that he and compatriot Andrey Santos have taken the 18-year-old under their wing, predicting that he could reach the levels of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior one day.
"We always stay together at breakfast, lunch, training," said Pedro. "I’ve known Andrey for more than eight years because we have the same sponsor. Andrey is funny; we joke a lot.
"Estevao is shy. It’s difficult for him to adapt. I try to push him to ask for his breakfast in English.
"Sometimes training is too long for him and he feels tired before gym. I don’t always need to do the gym, but I go with him because this is very important for him. He knows how physical the Premier League is. Me and Andrey push him.
"Mate, he [Estevao] is from the street. You can see he is natural. Tosin [Adarabioyo] said to me: ‘Joao, wow. Estevao is amazing.' Playing for Brazil and Chelsea at 18, oh my God. He’s going to be like Vinicius Junior."
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