Joao Pedro Names Harry Kane as Inspiration, Dismisses Drogba Comparison
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has dismissed comparisons to Didier Drogba, while naming Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski as the two strikers he draws inspiration from. The 24-year-old Brazilian has been the star of a turbulent campaign at Stamford Bridge this season.
Joao Pedro joined West London from Brighton in July 2025 in a deal worth up to £60 million and has hit the ground running in the English top flight. He has netted 15 Premier League goals and delivered five assists in 34 appearances this season, scoring 20 in all competitions. The Brazilian also netted in the semi-final and final as Chelsea lifted last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. This has led to comparisons to Didier Drogba, but Joao Pedro said:
“Drogba is an idol at Chelsea. Some fans joke: ‘Maybe we found the new Drogba?’ But I try to go my own way, slowly, without thinking too much about that.”
The forward has long described himself as a participative No.9, a striker who can drop deep, link play and finish moves. This profile is closely mirrored by Kane, the England captain who scored 213 Premier League goals for Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Bayern Munich. Speaking about his idols, Joao Pedro added:
“Today, I really like Kane and Lewandowski. I followed Kane more because of the Premier League and I take a lot of inspiration from him. When I played against Kane, I paid a lot of attention to him. We swapped shirts too. He’s a player I admire and I hope to reach his level.”
Chelsea remain firm amid Barcelona interest in Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro’s admiration for Robert Lewandowski comes as the Brazilian is being eyed by Barcelona as a possible replacement for the Polish marksman, who is not expected to renew his contract at Camp Nou. The Chelsea striker is considered a good fit by sporting director Deco for head coach Hansi Flick’s mobility-based system, according to reports.
However, Chelsea have no plans to let their prized asset depart this summer. The Blues see Joao Pedro as an important part of the project at Stamford Bridge. For the hierarchy to part with arguably the only player to perform at a top level in a difficult season would be a herculean task.
Joao Pedro appears set to remain in west London for the foreseeable future, with his Transfermarkt valuation now at €75million, and Carlo Ancelotti regularly giving him minutes for Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old is likely to lead the line again as the Blues chase another piece of silverware when Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup on May 16.
