-
Sam Tighe
The buzz surrounding Chelsea’s 18-year-old forward Estêvão has reached unprecedented levels, even by the standards of Brazilian young talents.
Having transferred from Palmeiras in 2024 for an initial fee of €34 million ($37 million)—with bonuses potentially increasing it to about €67 million—he finally joined Chelsea this summer after turning 18. Since joining the Premier League side, Estêvão has made an immediate impact, scoring a last-gasp winner against Liverpool and providing an assist across nine matches thus far.
His former coach at Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira, once remarked, “This kid is different from anything I’ve ever encountered.” Since then, accolades have poured in from all directions, including from Brazil legend Neymar, who described Estêvão as a “genius,” while Manchester City striker Erling Haaland referred to him as a “wonderkid.”
While some may worry that the weight of such expectations and comparisons to football’s elite could derail his promising career, Estêvão appears to be prepared for the spotlight, much like noted Brazilian talents such as Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.
In an interview with his former youth coach at Palmeiras, Rogério Ferreira, ESPN explored the tough love and diligent training that have shaped Estêvão into the player he is today.
– Karlsen: Premier League depth charts for major teams
– Connelly: The best teams in Europe right now: Bayern leads the way
– Lindop, Olley: Chelsea secures a thrilling win against Liverpool
‘Use your right foot. Because if you don’t, you won’t play’
Brazilian prodigies often attract recognition early in their careers, driven by the country’s passion for football and the extensive reach of social media. Estêvão was no exception, signing a sponsorship deal with Nike when he was just 10 years old.
“He joined Palmeiras at 14,” Ferreira remembers. “He came from Cruzeiro [in 2021], the same club that developed Ronaldo Nazário. He was already well-known in Brazil, with videos of him playing since he was 11.”
The transfer from Cruzeiro to Palmeiras was fraught with drama, partly due to a FIFA transfer ban on Cruzeiro that prevented them from recruiting young players. This situation heightened anticipation for a player nicknamed “Messinho” (Little Messi) for his exceptional left foot—a comparison he never appreciated.
“I don’t know who coined the nickname, but it caught on quickly,” Estêvão remarked in an interview with FourFourTwo. “My family and I never liked it much. A nickname like that can become a burden. You just want to play football without that added pressure. Luckily, I was able to shed it once I moved to Palmeiras.”
However, his transition to life at Palmeiras faced hurdles. “He underwent knee surgery shortly after arriving and didn’t play for about five months. He was small…very slight,” Ferreira notes. “When he finally joined his first training session, I was warming up the team with long balls, and he was reluctant to head the ball!”
“I told him, ‘Look, “Little Messi” isn’t going to cut it. You need to head the ball and improve your right foot; otherwise, you won’t play.’
“He was stunned by my directness. But he had a unique character. The next day, he approached me and said, ‘Coach, I’m going to work on that, and I want to play.’”
And he did indeed play. Estêvão made his professional debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against his former club Cruzeiro on December 6, 2023, becoming the fourth-youngest player in Palmeiras’ 111-year history as the club clinched back-to-back Brazilian league titles.
Just nine months later, he already represented Brazil’s U-20s at 15 and became the fifth-youngest player in Brazil’s senior team history, making an appearance against Ecuador during World Cup qualifiers.
Ferreira’s initial challenge for Estêvão has since proved insightful. His first senior goal for Palmeiras in the 2024 Copa Libertadores came from a header, and his first assist for Chelsea was a right-footed cutback to Enzo Fernández, while his first goal for Chelsea—a 95th-minute winner against reigning champions Liverpool—was also scored from a right-footed position at the back post.
Ferreira felt a deep sense of joy with these milestones. After Estêvão’s first Copa goal, he texted him, “You did it!”, celebrating the culmination of years of dedication and effort.
‘Aware of his weaknesses’
At Palmeiras, academy players are trained in various positions by default as versatility is key to succeeding in professional football. This approach also enhances their overall understanding of the game.
Even though Estêvão excelled at cutting in from the right onto his dominant left foot, he was not exempt from this training philosophy.
“Football came too easily to him; he was outsmarting opponents and winning games,” Ferreira explains. “So we placed him in central roles and on the left side. Players can improve by facing challenges that compel them to find solutions, which is vital to forging young talents.”
“His intelligence stood out, enabling him to thrive even in tough situations despite his smaller stature. His adaptability was remarkable—unbelievably remarkable.”
Ferreira has coached several extraordinary young players during his tenure at Palmeiras, including Real Madrid’s Endrick, yet he unequivocally regards Estêvão as “the most talented player I’ve ever worked with.”
“His mentality is exceptional,” Ferreira observes. “Not only is he capable of learning, but he is also keen to. He is conscious of his shortcomings, and that sets him apart.”
During his time at Palmeiras, Estêvão accumulated 27 goals and 15 assists across 83 matches for the senior team. However, at just 5-foot-7, he understands that adapting to the Premier League demands physical intensification.
“I know I need to develop a stronger, more robust physical presence,” he told FourFourTwo. “But I’m not overly anxious about it. It will be a comprehensive process, but I recognize my qualities and my potential to influence matches. Strength isn’t always the paramount factor.”
High expectations
With just 341 minutes under his belt at Chelsea, Estêvão is already making headlines. Given his experience as a standout player for nearly a decade, this doesn’t seem to phase him.
He has also begun his international career with Brazil, having tallied eight caps and three goals, and he aims to participate in the 2026 World Cup, competing for time with the likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha. Nonetheless, he remains a young talent, navigating the complexities of an unfamiliar realm.
“There are high expectations on him,” Ferreira notes. “It’s a lot to adjust to. Estêvão and Endrick are playing with teammates they once controlled in video games; now they’re communicating and playing alongside them. It will take time for him to understand that he is not a favor; he is an equal part of the team.”
For now, the 18-year-old has shown flashes of his immense potential with Chelsea, and it will be fascinating to see how long manager Enzo Maresca chooses to keep him from a consistent starting role. He appears poised to elevate his game, yet he is willing to wait.
“I want to settle in quickly,” he expressed. “Playing in great competitions like the Premier League and Champions League is a dream come true. The 2026 World Cup is an aspiration as well, but first, I must prove myself at Chelsea.”