Chelsea supporters are pretty convinced that they’ve signed something quite special in Estevao Willian. What he’s doing for Brazil on the international stage only reinforces that belief.
Estevao Willian, 18, has made an impressive start to life as a Chelsea player after joining from Palmeiras in the summer.
Estevao has surprised himself with how quickly he’s settled at Stamford Bridge, making an instant impression in Enzo Maresca’s side. The talented right-winger has played in all three Premier League matches this season, including two starts, and provided an electric assist in the West Ham win.
The teenage attacker has joined up with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad during the current international break, along with club teammates Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos.
On Friday, Brazil beat Chile 3-0 at home in a World Cup qualifier, which was a game to remember for Estevao because he scored his first senior goal for his country. The Chelsea rising star scored an overhead kick on the goal-line to net his first goal during his sixth cap.
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Estevao Willian creates Brazilian history
Chelsea’s Estevao actually made a piece of history with his athletic goal against Chile this week.
Remarkably, he’s just become the youngest Brazilian player since football legend Pele to score in a competitive match for the South American giants.
Back in 1958, Pele scored his first competitive international goals to help Brazil win the first of three World Cups in his playing career. At the time, the iconic striker was just 17.
Estevao, who turned 18 in April, has now become the youngest Brazilian scorer in a competitive game since Pele.
Enzo Maresca’s prediction after Estevao Willian’s Premier League debut
Last month, Estevao introduced himself to English football by making his Premier League debut. Afterwards, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca predicted Estevao would be important for Chelsea moving forward.
Even though he’s still so young, it’s quite obvious that he’s got the ability and character to impact any football match.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Estevao will surely be eyeing a spot in Brazil’s XI for the major international competition. If he can enjoy a strong debut season in Chelsea colours, it should go a long way to achieving that goal.
So far, there are no signs that the 18-year-old will crumble under immense pressure and scrutiny.
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