Chelsea have splashed hundreds of millions on trying to recruit the world’s most promising talents since Todd Boehly’s takeover – with Cole Palmer the pick of the bunch.
But it’s another player yet to arrive at Stamford Bridge who has fans licking their lips with anticipation, because teen sensation Estevao Willian could be their next big star. The Blues shelled out a whopping £34million upfront and a total of £56m to secure the 17-year-old prodigy from Palmeiras.
With each match he plays, it seems more and more like money well spent. Estevao has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi – earning him the nickname ‘Messinho’ – and his idol Neymar for his rapid dribbling and intricate runs. But what sets this young talent apart, much like the South American pair, is his ability to make an impact in games so early in his career.
On Friday night, he made history as the first Under-18 player in Brazilian Serie A to rack up 20 goals and assists in a season, netting the winning goal in a 1-0 triumph over Gremio. During the 2024-25 campaign, Estevao has notched up 12 goals and eight assists, carving out a pivotal role in a title-chasing team at an age when many are still honing their skills, reports the Express.
Brazil’s brightest stars often look after their own, which partly explains why Neymar didn’t sign for Chelsea back in 2010, following advice from Pele to stay at Santos. Estevao’s knack for netting those extra goals with clever off-ball movement has been a game-changer. As I’ve said before, his raw talent is one thing, but it’s his mental strength that’s truly staggering.
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He is learning at an astonishing pace, seems totally unfazed by the big stage and puts in the graft. Now 32, Neymar couldn’t help but sing Estevao’s praises, giving him a shout-out for smashing his record as the youngest player to notch up 18 goals and assists just weeks ago.
“Congratulations @estevaowillian for the broken record. May you continue to shine and enchant everyone with your soccer. Fly,” Neymar beamed on his Instagram stories. And it’s not just the Brazilians who are sitting up and taking notice.
Palmer clocked that the Sao Paulo whizz had celebrated his blockbuster move to Stamford Bridge by mirroring his own iconic ‘cold’ celebration after banging in a goal the very next day. “When I signed for Chelsea, the next day, I scored a goal and celebrated like Palmer,” Estevao spilled to The Guardian back in October.
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“His celebration was a trend, very popular. We talked on social media, I tagged him on Instagram, he called me a star, I said he’s a star too. He said we’re going to do a lot of great things together for Chelsea.” Not many saw Palmer’s stunning ascent coming when he moved from Manchester City in August 2023, banging in 22 goals in his first season.
But young Estevao could also make a similar impact, after the Blues managed to beat off Barcelona and Bayern Munich to snap up a talent who’s being hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime find by those in the know. Estevao said: “I decided for Chelsea because of their planning.
“I was very pleased with that. Not just for me but also for my family. It was the club that believed in me and trusted in my work. I hope I can pay that back.” He might not strut onto Stamford Bridge turf until July 2025, when he hits the ripe old age of 18.