The 24-year-old striker posted a measured response on Instagram on Tuesday morning after head coach Carlo Ancelotti overlooked him for the tournament despite a standout debut campaign at Stamford Bridge in which he contributed 23 goals and 12 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions, including 15 Premier League goals.
"I tried to give my best at all times. 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 and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."
Ancelotti's most headline-grabbing decision was the inclusion of Neymar, the 34-year-old Santos forward who has not represented Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. The Santos forward's return to form this season in his homeland convinced Ancelotti he was ready.
Joao Pedro had been a regular in recent Selecão squads and had won eight caps since his senior debut in November 2023, though he is still awaiting his first international goal. The omission drew immediate reaction, with several Brazilian football journalists questioning the reasoning given his club form.
Chelsea were keen to mark the decision respectfully. The club named him their player of the season on Tuesday, the timing of the announcement widely seen as a show of support for a player who had every reason to feel aggrieved.
Three other Chelsea players also missed out on Brazil's squad. Winger Estêvão was ruled out by the hamstring injury that has ended his first season in England. Midfielder Andrey Santos was also omitted. Club legend Thiago Silva, now 41, was not selected. Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur and Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento were among the other prominent absences from Ancelotti's final group.