Teenage winger Estêvão expressed immense joy after achieving his dream of netting his first goal in the Champions League.
At just 18 years old, Estêvão became Chelsea‘s youngest scorer in the prestigious tournament, converting a penalty during his team’s 5-1 victory over 10-man Ajax on Wednesday.
“I’m overjoyed with this first Champions League goal,” Estêvão told TNT Sport.
“Words can’t express my happiness. I have dreamed of this moment for so long, and I’m grateful it has finally arrived. I feel incredibly fulfilled and joyful.”
Estêvão received his first Champions League start from Chelsea’s coach Enzo Maresca, after having made substitute appearances in the 1-0 win against Benfica and the 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich.
“As soon as I learned I would be starting, I couldn’t even nap beforehand,” Estêvão recalled.
“Typically, I would rest in the afternoon to be at my best, but my excitement got the better of me. I’m thrilled to represent Chelsea, to have these chances, and to know that the coach believes in me.”
He also thanked teammate Enzo Fernández for graciously allowing him to take the second penalty of the match, which he had earned.
With Cole Palmer sidelined with injury, Fernández is Chelsea’s primary penalty taker and had already successfully converted a penalty to score his team’s third goal.
“Enzo [Fernández] is an amazing person,” Estêvão stated. “He handed me the chance to take the penalty. I didn’t expect him to let me do it after he had already scored. When I looked at him, he passed me the ball, and I was filled with joy.
“This highlights our team’s spirit—very close-knit and hard-working, always supporting one another. I’m delighted to have contributed to Chelsea’s success.”
After the game, Maresca shared his sentiments about managing Estêvão, claiming to feel “fortunate” and suggesting the young Brazilian could follow in Palmer’s footsteps to shine for the club.
Estêvão, who joined Chelsea for an initial £29 million ($39 million) from Palmeiras during the summer transfer window, expressed confidence in his growth potential within the club.
“I’m extremely grateful for all that Chelsea is doing both on and off the pitch to help me feel at home,” he remarked.
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“I feel at home here, surrounded by support. I’m grateful for the help from the coach, the staff, my teammates, and everyone at the club who has facilitated my quick adaptation.”
Having scored his first goal for Brazil in a 3-0 win against Chile during last month’s World Cup qualifiers, Estêvão acknowledges there’s still much to accomplish to fulfill his dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup.
“Of course, every player dreams of representing their country at the World Cup,” he said. “I’m working hard every day to achieve that goal. I’m fully committed to putting in the effort.”