ESTÊVÃO
WILLIAN
Youngest Chelsea Champions League Scorer
Brazil National Team Debut
Bola de Ouro Winner 2024
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Season highlights
I am Estêvão
Child of God, and a boy chasing his dream. Born in Franca, São Paulo, I grew up with a football at my feet and dreams bigger than my hometown. From Cruzeiro to Palmeiras, from youth tournaments to the Copa Libertadores, every step of my journey has been building toward this moment—playing for Chelsea in the Premier League and representing Brazil on the world stage.
They called me 'Messinho' because of my playing style, but I'm writing my own story. Every goal, every assist, every moment in a Chelsea shirt is dedicated to my family, my country, and everyone who believed in me. This is just the beginning of my legacy.
Beginning at Cruzeiro Academy
Born in Franca, São Paulo on April 24, 2007, I began my football journey at Cruzeiro's youth academy in 2017 at just 10 years old. It was there that I developed my fundamental skills and learned what it takes to become a professional footballer. The discipline and technical training at Cruzeiro shaped my early career and prepared me for bigger challenges ahead.
Record-Breaking Nike Deal
At just 10 years old in 2018, I signed a professional contract with Nike, becoming the youngest Brazilian player ever to sign with the company. This surpassed even Real Madrid's Rodrygo, marking me as a special talent from an incredibly early age. It was a surreal moment for my family and me—proof that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary opportunities, even at such a young age.
Move to Palmeiras Academy
On May 6, 2021, I made the important decision to join Palmeiras' youth academy. This move to one of Brazil's most prestigious clubs was a turning point in my career. At Palmeiras, I was surrounded by top-level coaching and facilities. I helped the youth teams win multiple titles including the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17, Copa do Brasil Sub-17, and back-to-back Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 titles in 2022 and 2023.
Professional Debut & Série A Title
December 7, 2023—a date I'll never forget. I made my professional debut for Palmeiras, coming off the bench in the 78th minute of a 1-1 draw away at Cruzeiro, the club where I started my journey. The result sealed the Série A title for Palmeiras. At 16 years and 8 months, I became the club's fourth youngest player ever. Making my debut in a title-winning match was a dream come true.
Transfer to Chelsea FC
On June 22, 2024, Chelsea FC announced that I would join the club in the summer of 2025 after turning 18. The deal was reportedly €34 million plus €23 million in performance-based incentives. When top European clubs were interested, Chelsea stood out with their vision for my development. This was my dream—to play in the Premier League for one of the world's biggest clubs. The 14-month wait to join felt like an eternity.
Brazil National Team Debut
Representing Brazil has always been my ultimate honor. On September 6, 2024, I made my senior national team debut against Ecuador in World Cup qualification, substituting Luiz Henrique in the 61st minute as Brazil won 1-0. At 17 years old, wearing the iconic yellow and blue was surreal. Just a month later, on September 4, 2025, I scored my first international goal in a 3-0 victory against Chile. Scoring for my country is the pinnacle of any footballer's career.
Emotional Final Game for Palmeiras
My final game for Palmeiras came on July 4, 2025, in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals. The opponent? Chelsea—the club I was about to join. I scored the equalizer against my future teammates, though Palmeiras was ultimately eliminated. It was bittersweet—sad to leave Palmeiras but excited for my Chelsea future. The fans gave me an incredible send-off, and I'll forever be grateful for everything Palmeiras gave me.
Chelsea Unveiling & Premier League Debut
On August 5, 2025, Chelsea officially unveiled me as their player. I chose to keep the number 41, which I wore at Palmeiras—it's my lucky number. On August 17, I made my Premier League debut against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, coming on as a substitute. Five days later, I made my first start against West Ham United in a 5-1 victory, providing an assist for Enzo Fernández. The Chelsea journey had officially begun.
First Chelsea Goal vs Liverpool
October 4, 2025—my first goal for Chelsea. And what a moment it was. In the 95th minute against our rivals Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, I scored the winner to complete a 2-1 comeback victory. I turned in Marc Cucurella's cross after brilliant interplay with Enzo Fernández. The Athletic described it as 'a stunning late winner.' Scoring against Liverpool in front of the home fans is something I'll never forget. This was my Chelsea moment.
Champions League Record
On October 22, 2025, I scored my first UEFA Champions League goal from a penalty in a 5-1 victory over Ajax. At 18 years and 181 days old, I became the youngest Chelsea player ever to score in the Champions League. Later, on November 25, I scored in a 3-0 victory over Barcelona, matching feats achieved by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland at the same age. These records motivate me to keep pushing forward and achieving more with Chelsea.
The Best is Yet to Come
This is just the beginning of my Chelsea story. Every training session, every match, and every moment in a blue jersey brings me closer to my dreams. I'm committed to winning trophies, breaking records, and becoming a legend at this club. At 18 years old, I have my whole career ahead of me, and I'm determined to make it legendary.
My Partners
These are the brands and partnerships that are with me in this journey, supporting every step towards greatness.
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In the Media
Featured coverage, highlights, and stories from across platforms
More Than a Winger
Beyond the pitch, I'm just an 18-year-old from Brazil living out his childhood dream. Born in Franca, São Paulo, I grew up watching Brazilian legends like Neymar and dreaming of following in their footsteps. My journey from Cruzeiro to Palmeiras and now to Chelsea has been incredible, but I've never forgotten where I came from or the people who helped me get here.
When I'm not training or playing matches, I'm usually spending time with my family who moved to London with me, playing video games with my teammates, or watching other Brazilian players succeed in Europe. I'm often compared to Lionel Messi—they even called me 'Messinho'—but my goal is to create my own legacy. I want to be remembered as Estêvão, not as a copy of anyone else.
My mission is simple: help Chelsea win trophies, represent Brazil with pride at the World Cup, and inspire the next generation of Brazilian kids who dream of playing in Europe. At 18, I'm one of the youngest players in the Premier League, but I'm not here to just participate—I'm here to win and become one of the best players in the world.
Training sessions at Stamford Bridge
Match day experiences and celebrations
Community engagement and youth mentoring
About Me
Career Goal
Win the Champions League and World Cup
Inspiration
Lionel Messi and Neymar - Their creativity and skill inspire my playing style
Playing Style
Technical winger with exceptional dribbling, vision, and an eye for goal. Known for my maturity and decision-making beyond my years.
Personal Values
Faith, family, and hard work. I'm grateful for every opportunity and committed to making the most of my talent.