Chelsea have pulled off a major coup by signing Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras. The 17-year-old left-footed winger has been turning heads in Brazil with his exceptional talent and potential. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira has praised him as a player “different from everything I’ve ever seen.” Despite Ferreira’s efforts to convince the club board not to sell him, Chelsea managed to secure his signature in a deal that could eventually be worth £52m.
Estevao is part of a talented generation of Brazilian players known as the “geracao do bilhao.” This generation includes Real Madrid-bound Endrick and West Ham’s new starlet Luis Guilherme. Palmeiras expected to make 1bn Brazilian Real (around £152m) from these players. Estevao has been making waves since he was a child and even became the youngest Brazilian footballer to sign a contract with Nike. He was dubbed ‘Messinho’ for his ability to change direction and dribble past opponents with speed.
Despite the comparisons to Lionel Messi, Estevao has stated that he no longer wants to be called ‘Messinho.’ He wants to establish his own identity as a player. It’s not just Estevao’s left foot that impresses, but also his mentality. He has already shown great determination and mental strength, such as playing through an injury during a decisive game.
There have been concerns back home in Brazil about Estevao’s decision to join Chelsea, given the club’s recent record with young Brazilians. However, Estevao’s staff have expressed confidence in the move and believe it will give him a better chance of breaking into the team quickly. With the 2026 World Cup as his main goal, Estevao is ready to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.
Overall, Chelsea may have struck gold with their new signing. Estevao’s exceptional talent and potential have drawn comparisons to Neymar, and there is a feeling in Brazil that he could be the next big thing in Brazilian football. With his skill, mentality, and determination, Estevao has the potential to reach the very top of the game.