Chelsea have added to their young crop of Brazilian players with the addition of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, who will join the Blues in the summer of 2025. The 17-year-old forward is the latest talent to move to Chelsea from the South American country, after Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, and Angelo Gabriel.
Breakthrough season Estevao made his mark at senior level in 2023/24, featuring 10 times in the Brazilian Serie A for Palmeiras, registering two goals and two assists, while also scoring in the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. He caught the eye with his skilful dribbling and pace during his breakthrough campaign, drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi and earning him the nickname "Messinho". Estevao has made five appearances for Brazil Under-17s, scoring three goals.
'Best Brazilian player since Neymar' Former Middlesbrough midfielder and FIFA World Cup winner Branco believes Estevao is the greatest player he’s seen born in Brazil since Neymar. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had these kids there and Brazil has a spectacular generation,” Branco told Canal WAMO.
“Brazil for 2026 will arrive very strong, they’ll arrive with strength, speed and quality. “Estevao, for me, with all due respect to the others, this is something serious, something that I’ve never said and I’m going to say – since Neymar, he is the greatest player I’ve seen born in Brazil.
“This is my opinion, you’ve seen him close, you know. This is Brazil, they’re all spectacular but this boy, his ceiling is a bit higher.”
Youth movement at Chelsea Estevao is the latest young South American talent to be recruited by Chelsea. Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez, 17, will also link up with the Blues next summer.