Pedro ends drought in 2026 as Flamengo thrash Sampaio Corrêa, eyes Ancelotti in World Cup year | OneFootball

Pedro opened his 2026 account as Flamengo routed Sampaio Corrêa 7-1 at the Maracanã, a timely lift after months without a goal.

Globo.com notes that he reported back early to reassert himself at Flamengo. He had already created one this term with a chest pass for Plata against São Paulo, but Saturday brought his first goals of 2026.

Head coach Filipe Luís underlined the value of pre-season games, focusing on on-pitch behaviours and players regaining rhythm around Pedro near the box. He said they also help staff correct mistakes and connect combinations.

The number nine had not scored for almost four months, his previous goal coming in the 3-2 win over Palmeiras on 19 October. He injured an arm against Racing in the Libertadores, then a thigh during recovery, returning only in the Intercontinental semi-final against Pyramids on 13 December.

In a World Cup year, he is racing to catch Carlo Ancelotti’s eye. He has never been called by the Italian, though he did make the first preliminary list in May last year. Competition has intensified, with Endrick thriving at Lyon, João Pedro starting at Chelsea, Igor Thiago is Brentford’s leading scorer, Matheus Cunha stepping up at Manchester United and Igor Jesus starting for Nottingham Forest, scoring a stunner.

Ancelotti’s next squad is for March friendlies with France and Croatia. Before then, Pedro faces the Recopa Sudamericana final against Lanús (Argentina), the Carioca’s latter stages and more Brasileiro rounds, starting at Vitória on Tuesday at 21:30 Brasília time at Barradão.

Source: Globo.com