Joao Pedro has the potential to be a true star. The 23-year-old Brazilian has taken the Chelsea faithful by storm, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists already in 3 games. Fans cannot stop going gaga over Stamford Bridge’s latest star, known for his attacking flair, speed, and ball-carrying capabilities.
Joao had an understated campaign with Brighton and Hove Albion last season, netting 10 goals and 6 assists for the Seagulls, but his love story with the Premier League had been quite a few years in the making.
Not many remember, but a very young Pedro had initially played for Watford in 2020, after joining from Fluminense. His first-ever Premier League goal came in a historic game on 21st November 2021. Watford won 4-1 against a hapless Manchester United in what would be club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last ever game in charge of the Red Devils. So incidentally, Pedro has been a thorn in the flesh of Chelsea’s Top 6 rivals before he ever was a member of the Blues.
You’d better strike the iron when it’s hot. And nobody would know it better than Joao Pedro, as this season seems to be the perfect time for the young Brazilian striker to come of age, in a team fresh off winning the FIFA Club World Cup, filled with world-class talent, where he is, by all odds, their first-choice striker, especially after the dramatic departure of Nicholas Jackson to Bayern.
While the Brazilian has been representing his country at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, his impact has already started to show on Chelsea’s upcoming young stars.
Chizaram Ezenwata recently mimicked Pedro’s iconic goal celebration after opening the scoring for England U18s against Morocco, and Chelsea fans on social media are going crazy.
#chels pic.twitter.com/9XNPwVRToV
— Nathalia (@tavaresnthl) September 9, 2025
Chizaram, or “Chizzy”, as he is known in the academy, is a young striker who is growing in the ranks. Transferring from Tottenham’s academy, the striker has been praised by Chelsea U18 head coach, Hassan Sulaiman as “a natural in front of goal,” praised for his composure, timing, and finishing ability, especially given his age. At just 16 years old, he became Chelsea U18’s all-time top scorer, scoring 30 goals and providing 10 assists in the 2024–25 season across competitions, including U18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, and Premier League Cup.
Looks like Joao Pedro’s celebration has had quite a solid impact, as Chizzy’s homage to Pedro showcases a sign of respect and idolation of the new Brazilian striker.
The celebration’s impact is also derived from what we perceive could be the meaning behind it.
While Pedro hasn’t come out in the open about the symbolism or meaning behind the celebration, fans have gauged it to be a symbolic showcase of the letter “W”, wearing the letter as a mask.
Pedro crosses his middle and ring fingers to form the centre of the letter, while his forefinger and pinky complete the W, a vital letter in sports and in internet meme culture (we could say, ‘Common Pedro W‘, for the gags).
The thumb down on the opposing hand could mean that the opponent has no chance to remove the W from Pedro, symbolising quiet confidence and a bit of bravado.
The celebration started to go viral after he scored on his debut for Chelsea, netting their first goal in a 5-1 drubbing against London rivals West Ham at London Stadium.
Joao Pedro also assisted his namesake, Pedro Neto, for the second goal, announcing himself on the Premier League stage in the best way possible. He pulled up with his signature celebration against Fulham, after scoring the first goal deep into the first half’s extra time.
Needless to say, the trend is catching up. With Chizzy Ezenwata copying the celebration and paying homage to Joao Pedro, the future seems bright for the Brazilian.
