Estevao Willian continues to make waves in Brazil after scoring a stunning strike to give Palmeiras yet another important win in their fight for the Brazilian title.
Abel Ferreira's side came back to defeat Cruzeiro 2-1 on the road and Estevao once again had a key role in the match. His sensational free-kick in the 89th minute kept Palmeiras in the Brasileirao title race ahead of the final game, which takes place on Sunday.
"I fulfilled a dream here today, anyone who knows my story knows that I came here to watch games [as a kid]," Chelsea-bound Estevao said after the win. "I told my father one day I would score a goal here and I was able to make that dream come true. Now let's focus, we have one more game at home and we'll go together."
Estevao also took to Instagram to share a series of pictures from the victory. He used a biblical verse, writing: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you, and uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). Just thank you God for everything. Maximum respect."
Here, football.london has taken a look at what the Brazilian media has reported on the forward's performance.
Mix Vale wrote: "At only 17 years old, Estevao continues to accumulate expressive numbers in the Brasileirao 2024 and, more than that, is approaching marks that few have achieved at his age. The young Palmeiras revelation is the highlight of the team, marking a constant presence with goals and assists, accumulating 19 goal involvements so far this season, almost doubling the mark reached by former teammate Endrick, who's at Real Madrid today.
"Estevao has already surpassed a feat of Neymar by accumulating more goals and assists in the same season at only 17-years-old, surpassing the numbers that the star reached at 16. The comparison between Estevao and Neymar - although at the beginning of his career - highlights the potential of the young Palmeiras striker who continues to thrive on the field.
"With a style of play characterised by speed and precise finishing, Estevao emerges as one of the greatest promises of Brazilian football. The teenager repeated Neymar's iconic celebration during the match against Juventude, in the 30th round of the Brasileirao, showing that he carries the influence and inspiration of one of the greatest recent talents in Brazil."
Meanwhile,Globo Esporte noted: "Palmeiras are saved by the talented Estevao in the fight for the Brasileirao title. All thanks to the great goal that he scored in the final minutes to ensure the 2-1 win over Cruzeiro.
"He's not considered a star for nothing. He went against routine and took the free-kick, and with one shot put Verdao with a chance of winning the title ahead of the final game. He had space, he launched counter-attacks, combined with Rios for the first goal and tried eight shots until finally securing the goal. Rating 9."
Nosso Palestra awarded Estevao a 7.5 rating and commented: "He pulled off a great goal and left Palmeiras alive for the final round of the Brasileirao. During the 90 minutes, he was the main player in the attack."
R7 Esportes wrote: "Estevao is a star! In the last minute of the second half and with Palmeiras needing a win to stay alive in the fight for the Brasileirao title, the striker scored from a free-kick - and produced the comeback for Palmeiras against Cruzeiro."
"That was Estevao's 13th goal in the league along with nine assists and is the third player in the Brasileirao to have scored the most goals. He also has a total of 22 goal involvements."
The outlet awarded the 17-year-old a 9/10 rating for his performance. It read: "Always an excellent option for Abel Ferreira. He often beat Vanderland and Ze Ivaldo in almost every play and was decisive in Palmeiras' first goal. Although Cassio made a save to deny him, he found the back of the net with a spectacular free-kick in the 89th minute."
The Brazilian league finishes on Sunday, December 8 with the new season not beginning again until April 2025, when Estevao turns 18. The youngster could make the trip over to London this month once the Brazilian league season ends in order to familiarise himself with his surroundings.
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