Joao Pedro remains the biggest hope of Timor Leste.

The absence of the "eternal prodigy" Gali Freitas due to injury has left the goal-scoring responsibility of Timor Leste almost entirely entrusted to Joao Pedro, the best striker in the history of the national team.

At 28 years old, Joao Pedro holds a proud milestone as the record scorer with 8 goals in 24 appearances for the Timor Leste national team. That number may not be too outstanding compared to the top strikers in the region, but for a team that is often underestimated and has very few scoring opportunities, it is a particularly remarkable achievement.

Joao Pedro's mark became even more evident at the ASEAN Cup 2024. Although Timor Leste could not earn any points, this striker still managed to score 2 goals against Malaysia and Cambodia. Those goals not only confirmed his scoring instinct but also showed his ability to make a difference against stronger opponents. Last summer, he was selected by coach Kim Sang Sik for the ASEAN All Star squad to play against MU. Last season, Joao Pedro contributed 14 goals (10 goals, 4 assists) for Kutching FC and quickly had his contract renewed by the club.

Joao Pedro's greatest strength lies in his highly technical playing style. He possesses smooth touches, clever dribbling in tight spaces, and unpredictable changes of direction. His style is heavily influenced by Latin American players, where individual technique is paramount. Not the type of striker who just waits for the ball in the box, Joao Pedro often drops deep to receive the ball, organizes attacks himself, and then accelerates past defenders.

Besides technique, speed is also a deadly weapon for this striker. In situations where Timor Leste often has to defend with many players against stronger opponents, fast counter-attacks are Joao Pedro's "stage". Just a gap behind the opponent's defense, he is capable of creating chances with bursts of speed or confident one-on-one moves.