Nicolas Jackson’s through ball was well placed and nicely weighted. What Pedro Neto did next, however, was both electrifying and ruthless in equal measure. After darting forward at breakneck speed to get on the end of the pass, the Portuguese left defender Ryan Hollingshead for dead with a sharp chop back on to his left foot before rifling a low drive past Hugo Lloris.
The goal set Chelsea on their way to a 2-0 victory in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ opener against LAFC in Atlanta – and was reflective of a player high on confidence.
“I feel very good,” Neto told FIFA. “I have had some adaptations in the team. I’ve played in a lot of positions. It’s my first year with the club, so there is a lot of adaptation there as well. I’m really happy with the way I’m performing at the moment. I hope to continue in this way.”
On his goal, Neto added: “I have to be thankful to Nico because of the pass. He was joking with me a little bit because I didn’t thank him (during my celebration), so I will say thank you very much now, Nico!”
Neto travelled to the USA with the wind in his sails after an impressive end to the 2024/25 season. In the face of fierce competition for a place in Chelsea’s starting XI, the winger started 13 of the Blues’ final 14 Premier League matches, as well as their UEFA Conference League final win over Real Betis.
His performances helped the west London side secure a fourth-place Premier League finish and, with a trophy also in the bag, Neto set out the squad’s belief they can compete with the best teams in the world.
“We have to be confident,” said the 25-year-old. “We finished the season really well. With the players we have and the squad we have, we have to be confident in ourselves and take that through all the games we play.”
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, explained why he is convinced Neto can take his game to even greater heights.
“Pedro is a very good person,” he said. “He’s very professional. He works hard every day. He played a very good game. I think (in the future) he is going to be even better in terms of numbers, goals and assists. But we are very happy with Pedro.”
Neto is one of a wealth of exciting attacking options at Maresca’s disposal. And while the Portugal international took home the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match prize, Cole Palmer also shone, producing some fabulous passes and sublime touches.
“I had a conversation with Cole after the game,” said Maresca. “I told him that I really liked the way he played today, in terms of taking responsibility and taking initiative on the ball. He was trying to take the ball even in our half, he was going one-v-one against players. This is the Cole we expect. I have said many times: Cole is our best player. Hopefully he can continue to do the right things.”
