History of João Pedro (footballer, born 2001) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 11, 2025

João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus (born 2001), commonly known as João Pedro, is a Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays as a forward for Chelsea in the Premier League and represents the Brazil national team. As a forward, his role involves scoring goals and contributing to the team's attacking efforts. He is a current player for both club and country.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 2001: João Pedro's Birth

João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus was born in September 2001, later becoming a professional footballer.

2002: Chicão's Imprisonment

In 2002, João Pedro's father, Chicão, was jailed for sixteen years (serving eight) for being an accessory to murder. By this time, Chicão and Junqueira had separated.

October 2018: Watford Agreement

In October 2018, before his senior debut, Watford reached an agreement to sign João Pedro in January 2020 on a five-year contract.

March 2019: Senior Debut for Fluminense

In March 2019, João Pedro made his senior debut for Fluminense as a stoppage-time substitute in a 2–1 loss to Flamengo in the Campeonato Carioca.

October 2019: UK Work Permit Received

In October 2019, it was announced that João Pedro had received his UK work permit and would sign for Watford in January 2020.

January 2020: Watford Contract Agreement

In January 2020, EFL Championship club Watford reached an agreement on a deal to sign João Pedro on a five-year contract.

January 2020: Signing for Watford

In January 2020, João Pedro was scheduled to sign for Watford after receiving his UK work permit in October 2019.

September 2020: First Goal for Watford

On 26 September 2020, João Pedro scored his first goal for Watford in a 1–0 win over Luton Town, on his 19th birthday.

October 2020: Goal Against Derby County

On 16 October 2020, João Pedro scored a long-range goal in a win over Derby County.

November 2021: First Premier League Goal

On 20 November 2021, João Pedro scored his first Premier League goal against Manchester United, dedicating it to his late stepfather, Carlos Junior.

January 2022: Equaliser Against Newcastle United

On 15 January 2022, João Pedro scored the equaliser against Newcastle United in the 88th minute, resulting in a 1–1 draw.

May 2023: Brighton & Hove Albion Acquisition

On 5 May 2023, Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed the acquisition of João Pedro from Watford for a club-record fee reported to be £30 million.

August 2023: Brazil Olympic Team Call-Up

On 19 August 2023, João Pedro was called up for the Brazil Olympic football team.

November 2023: Brazil Senior Team Debut

In November 2023, João Pedro was called up to the Brazil senior team for the first time and debuted on 16 November, substituting for the injured Vinícius Júnior in a 2–1 loss to Colombia.

August 2024: Winning Goal Against Manchester United

On 24 August 2024, João Pedro scored the winning goal in stoppage time of a 2–1 victory over Manchester United.

April 2025: Red Card and Game Ban

On 19 April 2025, João Pedro was sent off for flicking his hand into Brentford defender Nathan Collins' face during a 4–2 loss and was given a three-game ban for violent conduct.

May 2025: Dropped From Squad

On 23 May 2025, the club announced that João Pedro had been dropped from the squad for their next match against Tottenham Hotspur and was absent for the previous matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool due to a training ground incident.