By Hammed Hammed From Nigeria , From Sport room Of Presshub Media Agency
Chelsea could have the best player in the world on their hands if Estevao Willian is to have his way. Making a huge impression back in his homeland of Brazil, the 17-year-old will make the move to Stamford Bridge next summer from Palmeiras.
Estevao’s transfer to Chelsea was confirmed back in June, with the club striking an agreement for an initial £29million plus add-ons. Blues supporters will have to bide their time to see the highly-rated teenager flourishing in Enzo Maresca’s side as he will officially link up with the team next summer.
Chelsea are very much planning for the years ahead, with Ecuador international Kendry Paez another talented youngster set to join the club in 2025. Estevao has really made people sit up and take notice in Brazil with his performances and it came as no surprise to see him make his senior international bow for Selecao during September’s World Cup qualifiers.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is very much on Estevao’s mind as he targets a big future in the game for club and country. The winger is well aware of his potential and his aim is to become the best player in the world.
“I owe more of this [self-confidence] to my father,” he said in an interview with Brazilian publication Placar, as reported by Sport Witness. “He is a person who is always with you, but who won’t always just support you, won’t always open his arms… he will also demand the most. Not just my father, but my entire family. And I think that evolving more and more comes a lot from that.
“I know my potential, I know that I can do even more and, of course, we are slowly looking for it. I think I have the potential to be my best self. And the best thing for me, God willing, is to be at the World Cup and be the best in the world. I think that depends a lot on me.”
It comes as no surprise to see Estevao earn comparisons with Lionel Messi due to the incredible performances he has produced at such a young age. Nicknamed ‘Messinho’ or ‘Little Messi’ after flourishing on the pitch for Palmeiras, Estevao has in fact revealed that he doesn’t like the monikers as he is just trying to be himself.
“It wasn’t even me who created this [of Messinho], it was the media,” he added. “And it’s something I didn’t like to be honest. One thing I try is to be me. I’m Estevao, I’m building my career, my football and my story. I’m very happy for the recognition, but it’s something I didn’t like.
“I’m trying to detach myself from this more and more. There has already been a lot of disconnection, and I hope this ends once and for all.”
