João Pedro Biography: João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus born September 26, 2001, commonly known as João Pedro, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion and represents the Brazil national team.
João Pedro Biography
Pedro Junqueira de Jesus, born on September 26, 2001, in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion and the Brazil national team. Known for his adaptability across attacking positions, João Pedro has rapidly emerged as a standout talent in international football, earning recognition for his skill, work ethic, and on-field impact.
João Pedro Biography 2025 Details
| Full name | João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 26 September 2001 | ||
| Place of birth | Ribeirão Preto, Brazil | ||
| Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
|
Current team
|
Brighton & Hove Albion | ||
| Number | 9 | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
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About João Pedro
João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus, also known as João Pedro, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion and the Brazil national team.
João Pedro Wiki
- Born: 26 September 2001 (age 23 years), Ribeirao Preto, State of São Paulo, Brazil
- Current teams: Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. (#9 / Forward), Brazil national football team (Forward)
- Dates joined: 2023 (Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.), 1 January 2020 (Watford F.C.), January 2019 (Fluminense FC)
- Height: 1.82 m
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Parents: Flavia Junqueira
Early Life and Background
João Pedro was born to Flávia Junqueira and José João de Jesus (commonly known as Chicão), a former Botafogo player. At just one year old, João’s father was imprisoned for his role in a homicide case, serving eight out of a 16-year sentence. This difficult chapter in his early life helped shape his resilience and drive. João joined Fluminense’s youth academy in Rio de Janeiro, with his mother relocating to support his budding career. Initially playing as a defensive midfielder, he transitioned to more attacking roles, ultimately thriving as a forward.
Key Information
- Full Name: João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus
- Date of Birth: September 26, 2001
- Birthplace: Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Height: 82 meters (5 ft 11.5 in)
- Position: Forward
- Current Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
- National Team: Brazil
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Carol Assis
- Children: Not publicly disclosed
- Estimated Net Worth: £30 million
Professional Career and Milestones
João Pedro made his professional debut for Fluminense in 2019 and quickly made an impression, scoring eight goals in his first 11 appearances. One standout performance included a hat-trick against Atlético Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana. Although a transfer agreement with Watford was reached in October 2018, he officially joined the English club in January 2020.
Over four seasons, he played 109 matches and scored 24 goals, developing into a key offensive player. In May 2023, João Pedro transferred to Brighton for a club-record fee of £30 million. Since then, he has become a crucial part of their attacking setup. By March 2025, he had scored seven goals and provided six assists in 27 Premier League matches and was named team captain—highlighting his growing leadership role.
International Career
João Pedro earned his first call-up to the Brazil national team in November 2023 during World Cup qualifying matches against Colombia and Argentina. His consistent performances in England have made him a serious contender for a regular spot in the national squad.
Personal Life
João was previously in a high-profile relationship with Brazilian actress Mel Maia, which ended in 2020 following his move to England. Later that year, he married Carol Assis, a social media influencer. The couple is admired for their low-key, supportive relationship, often sharing glimpses of their life together online.
Notable Traits and Fun Facts
- Penalty Specialist: João Pedro is known for his composure under pressure, particularly when taking penalties. His cool demeanor has made him a go-to penalty taker for both club and country.
- Multilingual: Fluent in both Portuguese and English, João has integrated seamlessly into Premier League life.
- Leadership: Appointed Brighton captain at a young age, João has demonstrated maturity and influence beyond his years.
- Charity Work: He founded a charitable initiative in 2022 focused on helping underprivileged youth in Brazil through sport and education.
- Inspiring Journey: His rise from adversity to Premier League stardom makes him a role model for aspiring athletes around the world.
Philanthropy and Legacy
João Pedro launched a charitable foundation aimed at empowering underprivileged children in Brazil through sports and education. The foundation provides training programs, mentorship, and scholarships, making a real impact on youth development. His dedication to social causes has earned him admiration off the field and helped define his legacy beyond football.
Looking Ahead
João Pedro continues to set his sights high. Though currently flourishing at Brighton, he has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, including those in Spain, Italy, and France. As his value and influence grow, so too does the speculation about a future move to a global football powerhouse.
On the international stage, João is poised to become a mainstay in the Brazil national team, with his eyes firmly set on contributing to their World Cup aspirations. His story—marked by personal adversity, professional excellence, and social impact—is one of the most compelling in modern football. Pedro is not only a rising star but a cultural icon in the making.
João Pedro Net Worth 2025
João Pedro’s exact net worth in 2025 is not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to determine with certainty. However, various indicators point to a significant financial standing. In 2023, he signed a five-year deal with Brighton & Hove Albion, reportedly earning an annual salary of around $2.6 million, according to Spotrac.com. His £30 million transfer fee — the highest in the club’s history — reflects the substantial investment made in him. Adding to his value, João Pedro is currently the joint top scorer in the Premier League, a status that likely boosts both his market worth and potential for future endorsements. While his precise net worth remains unknown, these factors strongly suggest that it is considerable.
FAQs
What position did João Pedro originally play before becoming a forward?
João Pedro started as a defensive midfielder before transitioning to an attacking midfielder and eventually settling into the role of a striker.
How did João Pedro perform early in his senior career at Fluminense?
He had a remarkable start, scoring seven goals in four matches, including a hat trick in a Copa Sudamericana match against Atlético Nacional.
When did João Pedro make his professional debut for Fluminense?
He made his senior debut on March 28, 2019, as a stoppage-time substitute in a Campeonato Carioca match against Flamengo.
What was João Pedro’s first goal for Watford?
His first goal for Watford came on his 19th birthday, September 26, 2020, in a 1–0 win over Luton Town.
Who did João Pedro dedicate his first Premier League goal to?
He dedicated his first Premier League goal, scored against Manchester United, to his late stepfather, Carlos Junior.
When did João Pedro move to Brighton & Hove Albion?
While the text confirms he currently plays for Brighton, it does not specify the date of his transfer. However, he joined after his stint with Watford.