In-Form Brazil Star ALMOST Left Out of Ancelotti's Seleção Squad
The Brazilian Star Who TEMPORARILY Was Left Out of Ancelotti’s Squad
Earning a place in your international team is, for some, the peak of achievement within the football sphere – being chosen to represent your nation can only happen if you are performing at the top of your game, outclassing all potential rivals to steal the spot in the team for yourself.
Though the Brazil squad boasts more competition for places than most, their striker position is arguably the spot least up for debate, which is why Chelsea’s João Pedro was understandably shocked when his name wasn’t on Carlo Ancelotti’s team list ahead of the Seleção's friendly fixtures against France and Croatia later this month.
It’s not Joao, it’s How?
With 11 goals in his last 13 games across all competitions, Joao Pedro is not just the most in-form frontman Brazil have right now; he is one of the most in-form strikers in the world, with his goal output as well as regular assists earning him more plaudits with each passing week.
Joao Pedro boasts the 4th most non-penalty goals in Europe's five leagues this season.
— Football Park (@FP_CentreCircle) March 5, 2026
The three ahead of him?
- Erling Haaland
- Kylian Mbappe
- Harry Kane
LEVELS 🤯 #CFC pic.twitter.com/sq5l8EhVUf
With compatriots Richarlison and Matheus Cunha far less prolific than the Chelsea man so far this season, it seemed that Pedro had virtually guaranteed his spot in the squad for both the March internationals and the 2026 World Cup in North America, which begins in June.
However, when former Real Madrid boss Ancelotti announced his full squad list in front of the media ahead of this month's friendlies, Joao Pedro would certainly have been a little hot under the collar – the boss didn’t say his name, meaning he hadn’t been chosen for the squad.
Pedro was happy to tell the media about his initial reaction, saying, “When he finished the list I thought, "Holy crap, dude, I got left out.” Everyone started calling me, and I was totally confused.”
Fortunately for the 24-year-old, it was a simple clerical error on Ancelotti’s behalf that led everyone to believe the Chelsea striker had been passed over – it was a simple case of forgetting to read out his name, a moment which was later caught on camera by Brazilian media outlets.
O Ancelotti esquecendo de falar que o João Pedro foi convocado 😅
— DataFut (@DataFutebol) March 16, 2026
🎥 @SportsCenterBR pic.twitter.com/Gy5grlMGrT
In Ancelotti’s defence, he has plenty of experience without the presence of Joao Pedro, employing former player Vinicius Jr in the starting striker spot, with Matheus Cunha and Richarlison also sporadically filling that role.
Now though, with Pedro’s form as hot as it’s ever been, the Italian coach has no choice but to play the former Watford and Brighton wonderkid, hoping he brings the same goalscoring class to the international scene as to the domestic one.
When his name was eventually announced, it is fair to say that Pedro was rather relieved, saying, "Then I realised I was in it! It’s the same nervous flutter as my first call-up. I’m so happy; I’m living a really special moment in my life right now.”
Ever the professional, Pedro then set his sights on the games against France and Croatia. However, the Brazilian forward has more immediate matters to attend to back in London, as Chelsea look to overturn a three-goal deficit against European champions PSG in the second leg of their round of 16 clash with the French champions at 8pm tonight.
Joe Ryan 
