Charlotte FC announced the signing of Brazilian defender João Pedro on Jan. 18, 2024. Pedro originally signed with the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy FC, on Jan. 31, 2023.
Following a successful year in MLS NEXT Pro, Pedro integrated with CLTFC’s First Team ahead of the 2024 season. Pedro saw action in seven matches, making five starts, and totaled 461 minutes. In four of Pedro’s five appearances in the starting XI, he helped the backline keep a clean sheet. He also occasionally featured with Crown Legacy in 2024, making seven appearances, all starts, and contributed one assist against Carolina Core FC in the season opener.
The Brazilian had a standout year during his first season with the organization. Pedro was named to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI after appearing in 26 regular season matches, totaling 2,176 minutes, two goals and three assists. He helped anchor a backline that allowed the least number of goals in the Eastern Conference during the 2023 campaign.
Pedro began his career in Brazil with Club Athletico Paranaense, rising through the club’s Academy ranks before earning a professional contract. He appeared with their U-20 side 12 times and totaled 984 minutes.
The defender has also appeared in Brazil’s international ranks, most recently representing the South American nation at the U-20 level in 4-0 victory over a United States squad featuring multiple MLS players.
2024 (Charlotte FC) MLS Regular Season – Appeared in seven matches, making five starts, totaling 461 minutes. Helped keep four clean sheets in his five starts. Made his MLS debut in the Club’s season opener against NYCFC on Feb. 24. Leagues Cup – Appeared in CLTFC’s Group Stage match against the Philadelphia Union. (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Made seven appearances, all starts, totaling 570 minutes. Contributed an assist against Carolina Core FC in the season opener on March 17.
2023 (Crown Legacy FC) MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Named to the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Appeared in 26 matches, 22 starts, and tallied 2,176 minutes for a backline that conceded the fewest number of goals in the Eastern Conference. Scored two goals and added three assists on the season. Made his professional debut against FC Cincinnati 2 on March 31. Led the squad in clearances with 45. Third on the team in interceptions with 28. MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs – Appeared in the Club’s first round matchup against Columbus Crew 2.
International: Appeared in one match with Brazil’s U-20 squad in a friendly against the United States on Nov. 11, 2021.
