Dubbed “Messinho” (Little Messi) since his early teens, 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estêvão Willian is poised to become one of world football’s most talked-about talents as he prepares to join Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth up to £60 million.
The Palmeiras forward will make the move to Stamford Bridge following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup in July, bringing one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Brazil since Neymar to the Premier League.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always dreamed of playing in Europe alongside the best,” Estêvão told ESPN Brasil of his upcoming move. “It will be an incredible opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I hope to get there and adapt as quickly as possible.”
In a little over a year, Estêvão has seamlessly transitioned from youth-level promise to senior-level reality. He has already earned five caps for the Brazilian national team, with his first start coming earlier this month in new coach Carlo Ancelotti’s debut against Ecuador.
His talent has earned extraordinary praise from his club coach at Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira, who has overseen the development of other top talents like Real Madrid’s Endrick. “He’s different from anything I’ve ever seen,” Ferreira said in a press conference last year, highlighting not only Estêvão’s skill but also his remarkable mental strength and resilience.
Estêvão, a slightly built, left-footed attacker who typically plays on the right wing, is noted for his exceptional balance, fluid movement, and an ability to change direction at pace. His on-field intelligence was on display during his senior debut for Palmeiras in April 2024, when he scored by ghosting in to head home at the far post—a goal born of vision and instinct. He further proved his composure under pressure by scoring a critical, last-minute free-kick against Cruzeiro last season to keep Palmeiras’ title hopes alive.
The move to Chelsea represents a significant investment and a tactical consideration for manager Enzo Maresca. Estêvão’s agent, André Cury, has revealed the player chose Chelsea partly because the club was open to deploying him as a central No. 10, raising the question of how he will coexist in the same lineup as Chelsea’s current creative hub, Cole Palmer.
Despite the hype, Estêvão maintains a low profile off the pitch, crediting his family for his focus. “I am a very calm person. I don’t have many distractions,” he said. “My family is what keeps me focused. Their support is fundamental for me.”
Chelsea fans will get a close look at their future star during the Club World Cup, where Estêvão has already been named man of the match in Palmeiras’ opening 0-0 draw with FC Porto, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the special talent headed for Stamford Bridge.
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