Chelsea have secured one of South America’s most exciting young forwards: Estêvão Willian, a highly touted Brazilian winger-turned-playmaker, set to officially join the club in the summer of 2025 after his 18th birthday. Here’s a deep dive into his background, playing style, transfer details, and what he brings to Stamford Bridge.
Early Life and Rise at Palmeiras
Born on April 24, 2007, in Franca, São Paulo, Estêvão joined Cruzeiro’s youth academy at just ten years old and signed his first professional contract with Nike that same year—becoming their youngest-ever Brazilian signee. In 2021, he moved to Palmeiras, winning multiple youth championships. His breakthrough continued in October 2023 when he netted a hat-trick in the Brazilian Under-17 final.
He made his senior debut in December 2023 and scored his first club goal in April 2024 during a 3–1 Copa Libertadores group-stage win. Over the 2024 season, the 17‑year‑old contributed 13 league goals and nine assists across 31 matches, earning him recognition as the Brasileirão Rookie of the Year and Best Attacker.
Style of Play & Comparisons
Estêvão is known for his:
- Dribbling and creativity: Often likened to Lionel Messi and Neymar for his close control, low center of gravity, and inventive play.
- Playmaking ability: Prefers playing in a traditional number 10 role but is effective as a winger.
- Technical maturity and vision: He reads the game well and makes smart decisions, traits that have earned him comparisons with younger elite talents like Lamine Yamal.
- Off-the-ball intelligence: Known for timing his movements and finishing efficiently—attributes that make him a consistent goal threat.
Former Brazil star Willian praised him as having “a lot of potential,” comparing him to Yamal. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira described him as “different from everything I’ve ever seen”.
International Experience
Estêvão debuted with the Brazil U17s in 2023, scoring three goals in five matches. He’s already made five senior appearances for Brazil as of mid-2025—a notable achievement for an under-18 player.
The Transfer to Chelsea
In June 2024, Chelsea secured Estêvão’s transfer for an initial £29 million, potentially rising to around £52–61 million with performance-based add-ons. He has committed to a long-term contract likely lasting until 2032/33. He will remain at Palmeiras through the Club World Cup before joining Chelsea in mid-2025.
Chelsea’s strategy reflects their youth-focused recruitment, having already signed players like Andrey Santos and Kendry Paez.
Potential Role at Chelsea
Though primarily trained as a winger, Estêvão sees himself more as a number 10. Early reports suggest he’ll compete directly for creative roles at Stamford Bridge. He’s been in contact with stars like Cole Palmer and Reece James to prepare for integration into the squad.
Chelsea legend Ronaldo backed him as a future “very big star”, and insiders have already tipped his dribbling and off-ball movement as exceptional.
Outlook
Estêvão Willian arrives at Stamford Bridge with glowing credentials: explosive dribbler, inventive playmaker, and already decorated with awards in Brazil. The trajectory is clear—he’s expected to develop into a key creative force under Enzo Maresca’s youth-oriented vision.
Success will depend on his adaptation to the Premier League’s physicality and tactical demands. But early signs suggest Chelsea have backed a player who could become a long-term cornerstone.