Chelsea's João Pedro Plays Through Illness After On-Pitch Vomiting in Brazil’s Win Over Chile

Chelsea forward João Pedro endured a concerning moment during Brazil’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile at the Maracanã Stadium, when he was seen vomiting on the pitch following a heavy collision with teammate Gabriel Martinelli. 

The incident occurred in the 17th minute as both players challenged for a cross into the Chilean penalty area. Pedro appeared winded by the impact to his stomach but initially continued playing, displaying notable resilience despite the discomfort. Medical staff attended to him on the field, and although he managed to complete much of the match, he was substituted in the 71st minute for Lucas Paquetá, who scored just moments after coming on.  

After the game, Pedro explained that the collision had left him feeling unwell but reassured fans that he was fine, attributing the sickness solely to the blow rather than any illness. 

The 23-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a £60 million move from Brighton this summer, has been in excellent form for his club, contributing goals and assists in the Premier League. His determination to continue playing despite the incident underlined his commitment to the national team, for whom he is earning only his third senior cap.  

Brazil’s victory, sealed with goals from Estêvão, Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães, strengthened their position in the CONMEBOL standings ahead of next year’s World Cup. For Pedro, the night was a mix of personal challenge and professional pride, as he overcame an unsettling moment to contribute to an important win.