Who is Estevao Willian, the Brazilian wonderkid touted as the ‘next Neymar'?
Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian impressed in his maiden appearance in the FIFA World Cup for Palmeiras as he ended up with the Player of the Match award in the game against Portuguese club FC Porto.
Nicknamed 'Messinho' and touted as the next Neymar by pundits around the globe, Estevao has been constantly in the news during the recently concluded Campeonato Brasileiro Série A season.
The left-footed winger played 33 matches across competitions in the 2024-25 season and scored 11 goals while assisting five times. His breakout season, though, came in the 2023-24 season, where he managed to amass 31 goal contributions for Palmeiras in 50 appearances.
Following his exploits in the Brazilian league, he received a maiden national call-up last year for Brazil's World Cup qualifier matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. He debuted against Ecuador at the Estádio Couto Pereira. He substituted Luiz Henrique in the 61st minute as Brazil won 1–0.
He started for Brazil for the first time under newly appointed coach Carlo Ancelotti in the World Cup qualifiers game against Ecuador earlier this month. 'He's got a special talent,' said Ancelotti after the game, which ended in a goalless draw.
'He's got character, he's a good person, he's humble, and he seems fine to me, but with a young player we have to be patient and careful. He has the characteristics to be very important for the future of the national team,' he added.
When can Estevao play for Chelsea?
Estevao was roped in by Chelsea for a transfer fee in the region of $37 million (₹318 crore) last year in July. The 18-year-old can join the Premier League club once the FIFA Club World Cup finishes since he is part of the Palmeiras squad for the tournament.
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