Joao Pedro’s family react to heartbreaking Brazil World Cup snub

There were heart-wrenching scenes amongst Joao Pedro’s nearest and dearest as the Chelsea forward missed out on a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad on Monday night.

Having whittled down the names, Carlo Ancelotti officially unveiled his 26-man group at a glitzy ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, less than a month out from the Selecao’s opening match against Morocco.

Eyebrows were raised as 34-year-old Neymar, who now turns out for Santos, made the cut despite not having featured for his country since 2023 due to a combination of form and injury.

Elsewhere in Ancelotti’s star-studded party, there was a strong Premier League contingent, with Alisson, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha and Rayan all given the nod.

Arguably the biggest shock of the evening came as Pedro’s name was not read out among Ancelotti’s attackers, with the 24-year-old enjoying an excellent second season with Chelsea, racking up 15 goals and five assists in the English top flight.

There was space for Lyon’s Endrick and Zenit St Petersburg’s Luiz Henrique, though, who have only managed a combined total of 11 goals between them this term.

‘I tried to give my best at all times,’ Pedro said in response to his crushing snub on social media.

‘Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.

‘Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there.

‘I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.’

It’s become something of a tradition for Brazil’s players and their loved ones to record their reactions to squad announcements, with Neymar, Bremen, Endrick, Cunha and Gremio goalkeeper Weverton among those to share their experiences.

However, the perils of such behaviour were plain to see as footage of Pedro’s devastated friends and family circulated across social media – and it would take a heart of stone not to feel some sympathy.

Pedro’s nearest and dearest, many wearing Brazil shirts while surrounded by celebratory bunting, looked as if they wanted the ground to swallow them whole as it became clear his name was not going to be read out.

‘Of course, we are sad for Joao Pedro,’ Ancelotti said when asked about his decision to omit the Chelsea star, who has won eight caps for the Brazilian national team.

‘For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately, with all possible awareness and respect, we chose another player.

‘I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others.’

On Neymar’s surprise call-up, Ancelotti explained: ‘We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition.

‘We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup.

‘The evaluation for the whole year was solely based on the physical aspect, we talked about that. It was physical. In the last games, he played consistently. He may have the possibility of improving his physical condition before the first game of the Cup. He has that opportunity.

‘In addition, his experience in this type of competition, and the affection he has for the group, creating a better environment within the group, helping the team, are all important factors.’

Five-time winners Brazil kick off their World Cup with a tough clash against Morocco – the current AFCON champions – at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on June 13.

Ancelotti’s men return to action against Haiti in Philadelphia a week later, before wrapping up their Group C campaign versus Steve Clarke’s Scotland at Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium on June 24.

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