João Pedro Junqueira Jesus

João Pedro began his footballing education at the Fluminense youth academy in 2011, where he spent eight years developing the technical foundation that would make him one of Brazil's most exciting young forwards.

João Pedro began his professional career at Fluminense in 2019, where he became an overnight sensation after scoring a hat-trick in the Copa Sudamericana at age 17. In January 2020, he moved to Watford in the Premier League. Over three seasons at Vicarage Road, he developed into a mature and versatile forward, helping the club secure promotion to the top flight and recording numerous goal contributions. In the summer of 2023, Brighton & Hove Albion secured his signature for a club-record fee of approximately £30 million.

At Brighton, João Pedro's career reached new heights of global prominence. During the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons, he was the club's leading scorer, famously helping the Seagulls reach the knockout stages of the Europa League. During the current 2025-2026 season, he has been in sensational form, recording 15 goals and providing vital assists that helped Brighton secure another top-seven finish and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. In May 2026, he reached over 100 appearances for the club, recently scoring a vital winner against Nottingham Forest. He remains under contract until 2028.

On the international stage, João Pedro earned his senior Brazil debut in late 2023. Throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, he has been a consistent member of the squad, providing manager Carlo Ancelotti with a unique and versatile offensive profile. His ability to link play and perform under high pressure has made him a frequent starter or a high-impact substitute. He is currently in the final stages of preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he is expected to be a primary goalscoring threat for the Seleção.

By May 2026, he has reached over 200 professional appearances across Brazil and England. His market value has risen dramatically, with several major Champions League clubs prepared to launch record-breaking bids for the upcoming summer transfer window. His career trajectory highlights his success in maintaining top-level performance in the world's most physically demanding league. He continues to grow as a complete attacker, admired for both his individual flair and his tactical discipline in elite European competition.

João Pedro was born and raised in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary discipline both on and off the pitch. He has managed the challenges of moving to England at a young age and mastering the language with significant maturity. He currently resides in Sussex and has fully embraced life on the English south coast.

Off the pitch, João is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian customs and remains a passionate supporter of Fluminense. He enjoys spending his downtime with his family and close circle of friends, often returning to Brazil during the off-season to visit his hometown. He is a brand ambassador for several major sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a rising star in the Premier League. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in English.

His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the Brighton dressing room. He is involved in several charitable initiatives back in Ribeirão Preto, focusing on providing sporting equipment and support for local youth sports programs. His commitment to his family and his professional growth remains the central pillar of his personal narrative. He remains entirely focused on achieving further success with both club and country as he enters the next phase of his career.