Chelsea maintained their impressive form with a resounding 5-1 victory over Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
It was a historic evening as Enzo Maresca displayed his confidence in youth, fielding 10 players under 21, including the 17-year-old Reggie Walsh, who became the second-youngest English player to feature in the Champions League, following Jack Wilshere.
However, one player was the talk of the town after the match: Estêvão.
The Brazilian, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer for £29 million ($38.6 million), scored his first Champions League goal and set a new record in the process.
What records has he set?
– The rise of ‘Little Messi’: Estêvão’s transition from Palmeiras to Chelsea
– Estêvão shines in the Champions League: ‘This is a dream come true’
– Maresca calls Chelsea ‘lucky’ to have record-breaker Estêvão
Youngest Chelsea Goalscorer in Champions League History
With Chelsea leading 3-1 against Ajax, Estêvão earned a penalty shortly before half-time.
Designated penalty taker Enzo Fernández handed him the ball, much to the delight of the Stamford Bridge fans, and Estêvão confidently converted from the spot, marking his first Champions League goal.
With this achievement, he became Chelsea’s youngest Champions League goalscorer at 18 years and 181 days, surpassing Marc Guiu, who had held the record for just 20 minutes.
This bodes well for Chelsea’s future with young talents like Estêvão, Guiu, and Tyrique George, who netted the fifth goal and is now joint second on the list, as club captain Reece James previously held the record after scoring against Ajax in 2019 at the age of 19.
Coincidentally, by scoring from the penalty spot, Estêvão became the third-youngest player to score a penalty in Champions League history, following Bojan (18 years and 90 days in 2008) and Lamine Yamal (18 years and 100 days on Tuesday) and became the second-youngest Brazilian to score in the competition, following only Real Madrid’s Endrick.
After his record-breaking performance against Ajax, both Maresca and teammate Jorrel Hato praised the young star.
Maresca commented, “It’s exciting to see him develop. Often, with young players, you worry they will have one great game and think they’ve made it.”
“Estêvão is humble and eager to learn, thanks to his family support. We’re thrilled not only with his performances but also with his character. He may need more time to adjust to the Premier League like Cole Palmer did.”
“I had him at the same age with Manchester City’s under-23s; Cole played on the wing, and now he’s making strides inside. Estêvão currently plays wide, but in the future, I see him more centrally.”
Hato added, “Have I seen a teenager like this? Yes, perhaps Lamine Yamal—but nobody else compares. He performed brilliantly—he’s extremely young, younger than me.”
Youngest Player to Assist for Chelsea in the Premier League
Estêvão’s first start for Chelsea was unanticipated after Cole Palmer was injured during warm-ups against West Ham in August.
However, he was more than ready; he set up Fernández for Chelsea’s third goal in another 5-1 win.
His assist made history as he became the youngest player to record an assist in the Premier League for Chelsea, doing so at the age of 18 years and 120 days, surpassing Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was 18 years and 147 days old when he assisted Olivier Giroud in a 3-0 win over Brighton back in April 2019.
Youngest Brazilian to Score a Winning Goal in a Premier League Match
The highlight of Estêvão’s time at Chelsea came during the last match before the international break earlier this month, when he netted the decisive goal in a Premier League encounter against Liverpool.
He coolly finished at the back post to secure a vital 2-1 victory for Chelsea, adding yet another record to his collection.
He became the youngest Brazilian to score a match-winning goal in a Premier League game at 18 years and 163 days.
What Other Records Has Estêvão Broken?
Estêvão’s record-breaking journey began even before his arrival in Europe.
At just 17 years old, he surpassed Neymar’s record for goal involvements before turning 18 in Brazilian Serie A, tallying 13 goals and nine assists for Palmeiras in 2024, eclipsing Neymar’s previous record of 16 while at Santos in 2009.