Estevao Willian: The 'Little Messi' compared to Yamal

07/10/2025 15:06:00 PlaymakerHub

It was only when Estevao Willian became the hero by scoring the winning goal to earn Chelsea three points against Liverpool that everyone acknowledged the £51 million fee paid to Palmeiras was justified for a future star.

Estevao is not called "Messinho" (little Messi) without reason. Journalist Tim Vickery pointed out the factors that have made this 2007-born Brazilian talent a phenomenon from an early age: a low center of gravity, an impressive left foot, and sharp awareness in finding spaces behind the opponent’s defense.

The image of a star

When Chelsea signed Estevao from Palmeiras last summer and were prepared to wait a year before seeing him at Stamford Bridge, they had already recognized the potential of a star. However, with Chelsea’s attack packed with quality options, it was understandable that Estevao had to patiently wait for his chance on the field.

Cole Palmer’s groin injury, Chelsea’s brightest star, created an opportunity for this 18-year-old talent to prove himself. The Liverpool match was Estevao’s ninth appearance for Chelsea in all competitions, and it was only then that he scored for the club, despite having just about 20 minutes on the pitch to make an impact.

That goal was more than ordinary; it was a heroic moment in a match where Chelsea went from brilliance to chaos before finally enjoying a late victory. Coach Maresca’s team started perfectly with a masterpiece from Moises Caicedo, descended into turmoil as central defenders Acheampong and Badiashile both left due to injuries, with Liverpool scoring an equalizer in between. Only when Estevao came on and converted Cucurella’s cross into the decisive goal at 90+5 minutes did Maresca and Chelsea supporters erupt in celebration. The Italian coach accepted the consequences of his sideline celebration in the style of Jose Mourinho, receiving a second yellow card and a ban for the next match against Nottingham Forest. Simply put, Estevao rescued Chelsea, reviving the spirit of a squad battered by injuries and suspensions.

Estevao’s future looks very promising

Resemblances with Yamal

Actually, there was no need to wait for Estevao’s first goal for Chelsea to recognize the potential of this Sao Paulo-born player. Ronaldo "Fat" once compared Estevao to Lamine Yamal and predicted he would soon become a new superstar in world football.

Willian, the Brazilian midfielder who played for Chelsea from 2013 to 2020, places great hope in Estevao: "He has the advantage of being a young talent and shares similarities with Yamal. My advice is to give his all. I believe Estevao will need more training sessions with Chelsea to progress further." Even Jose Mourinho, who faced Estevao’s Chelsea in the Champions League shortly after agreeing to lead Benfica, believes the Brazilian striker has great potential and is playing at a high level despite his youth.

Estevao’s adaptation to the Premier League is progressing well, partly because Chelsea has several Brazilian players like Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos who are ready to assist him both technically and in learning English. Coach Maresca openly hopes to pair him with Cole Palmer to build an attack capable of challenging any opponent.

Estevao was the first U18 player to contribute to 20 goals for Palmeiras in a single season. But that was just the beginning. At Chelsea, he promises to achieve even greater heights.

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