Zenit's 18-year-old winger Pedro answered a question about the Brazilian footballers he admires.
"I admire Pele, Zico, Romario, but my main idol since childhood has always been Neymar. I followed his game and even tried to reproduce some of his gestures after watching videos of his best moments. I even managed to make a few of them (smiles)," Pedro said, as quoted by Zenit's press service on the club's official website.
The Brazilian winger joined the Blues in February 2024. During this period, he has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals. The player's current contract with the club runs until December 31, 2028. According to information provided on the Transfermarkt portal, the player's market value is €7 million.
Pedro’s rise at Zenit has been swift and impressive. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2006, he joined Zenit’s youth academy in 2020 after impressing scouts at a youth tournament. Despite his young age, Pedro quickly adapted to the demands of the Russian Premier League and became a vital part of Zenit’s attack.
Off the field, Pedro is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He credits his family and upbringing in the suburbs of Sao Paulo for keeping him grounded despite his growing fame and success. “My parents always taught me to stay humble and focused on my goals. They are the ones who supported me every step of the way, and I owe everything to them,” Pedro said in a recent interview.
In addition to Neymar, Pedro also cited Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as players he admires and tries to emulate on the pitch. “These guys are true superstars of the game, and I’m honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as them. But I know I still have a long way to go to reach their level. I’m just focused on working hard every day and improving my game,” he explained.
Zenit fans have quickly embraced Pedro, with many considering him to be the club's next big star. His electric pace, dribbling skills and eye for goal have made him a fan favourite at the Gazprom Arena. The club's management are also optimistic about Pedro's long-term potential, with sporting director Andrei Arshavin recently saying: "We believe Pedro has all the tools to become a world-class player. He has already shown his quality at the highest level, and we are confident that he will continue to develop and reach new heights in the years to come."
As Zenit prepare for another season of domestic and European honours, Pedro will undoubtedly be a key figure in their plans. The young Brazilian's meteoric rise has already captured the attention of football fans around the world, with many eager to see what he will achieve in the years to come.
