João Pedro comes from a Christian background that is deeply embedded in Brazilian culture. While the Chelsea striker has not made extensive public statements about his religious beliefs, his upbringing in Brazil and his family traditions point toward Christianity, which remains the dominant faith in his home country.
Quick Profile: João Pedro
| Full Name | João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 2001 (24 years old) |
| Place of Birth | Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches) |
| Religion | Christian (culturally Catholic) |
What Religion is João Pedro?
João Pedro was raised in a Christian environment typical of Brazilian families. His name itself carries deep religious significance within Christianity. João is the Portuguese form of John, meaning “God is gracious,” while Pedro is the Portuguese form of Peter, meaning “rock” or “stone.” Both names have strong biblical roots, with John and Peter being prominent figures in the New Testament.
Brazil is a predominantly Catholic country, with over 60% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic and another significant portion identifying as Protestant Christians. Growing up in Ribeirão Preto, a city in the state of São Paulo, João Pedro would have been immersed in this Christian culture from birth.
While the striker has maintained privacy regarding specific religious practices or denominational affiliations, several aspects of his life suggest a connection to Christian faith. His mother Flavia raised him as a single parent after separating from his father, who was incarcerated when João Pedro was just one year old. Single mothers in Brazil often rely on church communities for support, both spiritual and practical, during difficult times.
The tattoos João Pedro bears on his arms honoring his mother Flavia and grandmother Dalva represent more than just family love. In Brazilian Christian culture, particularly among Catholics, the veneration of maternal figures reflects the broader cultural importance of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The ritual of kissing these tattoos before matches can be interpreted as both a personal tribute and a spiritual practice, asking for protection and blessing.
Early Life
João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus entered the world on September 26, 2001, in Ribeirão Preto, a city located in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil. His parents were Flavia Junqueira and José João de Jesus, better known by his nickname Chicão. The family name “de Jesus” translates to “of Jesus” in English, another indication of the Christian cultural environment surrounding his upbringing.
His father Chicão had been a professional footballer himself, playing as a defensive midfielder for Botafogo-SP and other clubs in Brazil. This gave young João Pedro an early connection to the beautiful game, with football seemingly running through the family’s blood. However, this connection would be severed in the most devastating way imaginable.
When João Pedro was barely one year old, his father was arrested and subsequently sentenced to sixteen years in prison for being an accessory to murder. Chicão would serve eight years before being released. This traumatic event occurred around 2002, right at the beginning of João Pedro’s life, meaning he would have virtually no early memories of his father as a free man.
By the time of Chicão’s imprisonment, he and Flavia had already separated. This left Flavia as a single mother facing the enormous challenge of raising her only child alone. The stigma of having a partner incarcerated for such a serious crime, combined with the financial difficulties of single parenthood, created an incredibly difficult environment.
Historic Chelsea Move
On July 2, 2025, Chelsea announced they had signed João Pedro from Brighton for a reported fee of £55 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons. The deal made him one of the most expensive Brazilian players in history and represented Chelsea’s belief in his ability to lead their attack for years to come. He signed an eight-year contract running until 2033, an extraordinarily long deal that demonstrated Chelsea’s commitment to building around him.
João Pedro joined Chelsea just in time to be registered for the FIFA Club World Cup, which was being held in the United States. FIFA rules allowed up to two players to be added before the tournament’s deadline, and Chelsea moved quickly to include their new signing.
He made his Chelsea debut on July 4, 2025, coming on as a second-half substitute in the quarter-final against Palmeiras. Chelsea won 2-1, and João Pedro’s introduction added fresh energy that helped see out the victory.
The semi-final on July 8, 2025, brought an emotionally charged encounter. Chelsea faced Fluminense, João Pedro’s boyhood club where he had developed from age 10 to 18. Rather than showing sentiment, João Pedro produced one of the performances of his career, scoring a brace to eliminate the club that had nurtured him. The match finished with Chelsea progressing, and João Pedro celebrated with respect but determination.
Three days later came the final against Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. PSG had won the Champions League just months earlier and were favorites, but Chelsea produced a near-perfect performance. João Pedro scored the third goal in a comprehensive 3-0 victory, adding to two Cole Palmer strikes.
Career Earnings
Pedro’s move to Watford in January 2020 brought his first substantial earnings. Championship players earn considerably less than Premier League stars, but João Pedro’s contract likely started around £10,000 to £15,000 per week, increasing as he established himself in the first team. At Brighton, his salary increased significantly, he was reportedly earning £50,000 per week on his five-year contract signed in 2023. This equated to approximately £2.6 million per year gross salary, a life-changing sum for someone who grew up in poverty.
The Chelsea contract represented another quantum leap. He now earns a base salary of £135,000 per week, equating to approximately £7 million per year. With performance-related bonuses worth an additional £2.6 million per year, his total compensation package can reach around £185,000 per week or £9.6 million annually.
Personal Life
João Pedro’s personal life has been relatively low-key compared to many modern footballers. He married influencer Carol Assis on December 18, 2020, in a private ceremony in England. Carol, born in 2001 like João Pedro, is a digital influencer and model who described their wedding as a “life’s long dream fulfilled.”
The couple was together through some of the most important years of his career, including his time at Watford and the early part of his Brighton spell. Carol was often seen supporting him from the stands and sharing moments from their life together on social media. However, recent reports indicate the pair has separated, though neither João Pedro nor Carol Assis has publicly confirmed a divorce. They continue following each other on social media, suggesting an amicable separation if indeed they have split. Public records do not disclose any children from their relationship.
João Pedro was previously in a relationship with Brazilian actress Mel Maia from 2019 to 2020. The relationship garnered media attention in Brazil due to Mel’s acting career and their shared youth. They separated following his move to England.
