Chelsea’s Brazilian superstar Estevao announced himself to the world on Tuesday night with his wondergoal at Barcelona – and he could become one of the game’s best players
14:53, 26 Nov 2025
Estevao scored a stunning goal as Chelsea beat Barcelona at Stamford Bridge(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Now you can see why Chelsea were willing to sell Noni Madueke in the summer. Estevao Willian is 18, has got incredible talent and looks as if he is ready to set the world alight.
He is fabulous. He has got so much pace, skill and control. He dribbles and bounces off defenders in a way that is bound to draw Lionel Messi comparisons.
Estevao shone against Barcelona, was the best winger on the pitch on a night when he was up against Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “As Raphinha said, probably in the next 10, 15 years, Estevao and Lamine Yamal are probably going to be the next Messi and Ronaldo.”
That is not hyperbole. Yamal and Estevao can battle it out for the next decade and it is why Chelsea were willing to invest time and patience in the Brazil international.
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It is why when Arsenal came in for Madueke they did a deal for £55m and that decision will be under the spotlight when the clubs go head to head at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
But they are very different. Madueke has done enough at Arsenal to win over the fans while Estevao is the teen wonder kid.
All of the Premier League big guns went for him – including Arsenal. Chelsea won the battle and, even though they have a revolving door policy when it comes to buying and selling young players, this one is a keeper.
It was interesting that Chelsea boss Maresca was happy to play down expectation levels when Estevao was playing for Palmeiras AGAINST Chelsea in the Club World Cup.
Chelsea allowed Noni Madueke(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
But we saw glimpses of the player Chelsea had agreed to sign in a £50m deal – £30m down and £20m to come on success and appearances – even in that tournament.
He is a special player who revelled in the spotlight against Barcelona. The best always do. Now Estevao will surely step forward as a generational talent.
His goal was amazing with his control, low centre of gravity and drive through the Barcelona defence before he rifled into the roof of the net.
He will come to the fore as Chelsea chase glory and his teammate Liam Delap believes Estevao and the rest of the squad showed their potential against Barcelona as they smashed the Spanish giants.
Estevao dazzled at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday(Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Delap said: “He’s so young, but he’s so exciting. He’s so raw, and he’s got the world at his feet at the moment. He’s just got to stay grounded and keep working hard.
“I believe we’re building something really good here. We’re working together every day, and we’re getting better and better. We come into every game with huge belief. We showed against Barcelona that we can do it against anyone.”
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