In the world of elite football, two 17‑ to 18‑year‑old sensations—Estêvão Willian and Lamine Yamal—have emerged as the standout talents of the 2024–25 season. While Yamal has dazzled in Europe with Barcelona and Spain, Estêvão has carved his reputation in Brazil and attracted Premier League attention. Their parallel rise sparks compelling comparisons.
Background & Breakthrough
Estêvão Willian (born April 2007) earned his breakthrough with Palmeiras in the 2024 Brasileirao, scoring 13 goals and registering 9 assists in 31 league appearances, alongside standout performances in continental competition—and was awarded Best Young Player and Best Attacker of the season.
Lamine Yamal (July 2007) emerged from La Masia to make a sensational debut for Barcelona. In 2024–25, he became the youngest Ballon d’Or nominee, won the Kopa Trophy, and was a key figure in Barça’s domestic treble, including a record-breaking Clásico winner, and earned Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.
Playing Style & Profiles
Physical Traits
Yamal stands at 1.80 m, offering speed and reach; Estêvão, though slightly shorter, compensates with a low center of gravity and close control.
Technical Comparison
Estêvão is known for his inventive dribbling, creativity, and finishing—earning nicknames like “Messinho” and comparisons to Messi and Neymar.
Yamal is a statistical marvel—leading in dribbles, goals, and assists for a teenager in Europe—and reminiscent of Messi’s early impact.
Seasonal Stats
Estêvão recorded 13 goals and 9 assists in 31 league matches, along with more goals in the Copa Libertadores. He’s already scored 26 goal contributions overall in 2025 and made his senior Brazil debut .
Yamal formed one of La Liga’s most productive attacking duos with Raphinha, delivering 15 assists(La Liga and UEFA Champions League) en route to Barcelona’s treble, also winning Best U23 La Liga Player twice.
Expert Comparisons & Accolades
Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario has likened Estêvão to Yamal, praising his talent and predicting he will be “a very big star”.
ESPN’s Willian also commented on the stylistic similarities: “They have a similar style… a lot of quality”.
CIES ranked Estêvão above Yamal as the most experienced under‑20 player globally .
Spanish pundits suggest Estêvão’s raw audacity could rival Europe’s finest, though note adaptation challenges at Chelsea .
Future Prospects & Challenges
Next Step Clubs
Estêvão is scheduled to join Chelsea in mid‑2025 after the Club World Cup, entering a Premier League scenario characterized by competition and physical demands.
Yamal remains a key part of Barcelona’s long-term project, already integrated under Hansi Flick after his remarkable 2024–25 season.
Potential & Challenges
Estêvão must adapt to tactical discipline and physicality in England; doubts linger about whether Chelsea can foster his development as precisely as Barcelona has with Yamal.
Yamal’s path appears more defined—he has stability, consistent game time, and club structure designed around youth progression .
Verdict
Both Estêvão Willian and Lamine Yamal are emblematic of a new generation: technically gifted, mentally mature, and capable of defining football’s future.
Yamal has taken Europe by storm with historic stats, accolades, and silverware. Estêvão has dominated in Brazil and earned global accolades, with his move to Chelsea poised to test and potentially elevate him further.
Their development paths may diverge, but the football world will be watching closely to see which of these teenage superstars reaches the next level—and how they shape the future of the game.