Dubbed as the next Neymar, Estêvão Willian is the next big star to come from Brazil.
On December 6, 2023, at just 16 years old, Estêvão stepped onto the pitch for his first professional game. He came on as substitute for Brazilian Serie A club Palmeiras against his boyhood club, Cruziero.
Since that day, the young kid with Brazilian flair has not looked back. Before turning 18, Estêvão scored 19 goals in 60 games for Palmeiras. His play caught the eye of Chelsea, one of England's most prestigious clubs, who ended up paying Palmeiras $37 million for his signature.
The transfer to Chelsea had performance related add-ons that could bring the deal to $75 million - all for a 17-year-old with less than 20 professional goals.
Estêvão was to join Chelsea after Palmeiras' elimination from the Club World Cup, and as it happened, his Brazilian club drew Chelsea in the quarterfinals. Now 18, Estêvão got the start for Palmeiras.
The Blues star Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but guess who leveled the score for the Brazilians... Estêvão.
Against his future team, Estêvão roofed a shot past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and celebrated as if he scored in the World Cup final.
The goal immediately endeared himself to Chelsea fans, albeit to their detriment. The London club would go on to win the match 2-1, and eventually the entire tournament, so Estêvão's goal did not harm his character in the eyes of Chelsea fans.
The young man would then travel to London after the conclusion of the Club World Cup, and start his training under Enzo Maresca.
In just his second appearance and first start in Chelsea blue, the man dubbed as the 'next Neymar' earned his first assist. He then went on to score his first goal a few games later.
The goal held significance as it was a stoppage time winner against the reigning Premier League Champions, Liverpool.
Maresca had this to say about Estêvão:
I feel lucky to be his manager. The fans pay tickets to see players like Cole Palmer and Estevao.
High praise for such a young wonderkid.
Estêvão scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on October 22, 2025 in a 5-1 trouncing of Ajax. He drew a penalty, and was then handed the ball by captain Enzo Fernandez to take the kick. The wonderkid calmly slotted the ball into the side netting, opening his European account.
Still just 18 years old, Estêvão has made nine national team appearances for Brazil, and has bagged three goals including a brace in a 5-0 win of South Korea.
Estêvão plays with the ball on a string and a smile on his face - similar to Neymar which is where the comparisons come form. He has also proved at such a young age that nerves to not affect him, and even mimics Cole Palmers 'cold' celebration when he scores.
Estêvão is expected to cause defenses plenty of problems throughout his career. With lots of room still to grow, the best of the Brazilian teenager is likely still ahead.
Estevao Willian Player Profile
Birthdate | April 24, 2007 (18) |
Birthplace | Franca, Brazil |
Nationality | Brazil |
Position | Winger |
Club | Chelsea |
National Team Caps | 11 |
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