Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian, who is set to officially join Chelsea next year, has been discussing the hype surrounding his name.
There is a lot, which is more than understandable. Right now, Estevao Willian is one of the most exciting young players in the world.
Despite only being 17, the attacker has finished the Brazilian league season with 13 goals and nine assists and has already secured a big move to England. Estevao recently revealed what shirt number he wants at Chelsea.
For the Brazil international, though, some of the hype he does not like, namely the comparisons being made to Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi of Argentina getting into the field prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Esta...
Photo by Carlos Sipán/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Estevao Willian on Lionel Messi comparisons
Being left-footed and extremely talented, Estevao has been given the nickname “Messinho”, which means “little Messi”.
However, the Palmeiras star just wants to be his own player and has said as much in a recent interview.
Speaking to ESPN about the comparisons to Messi, Estevao said: “Since I was little, being called Messinho, I confess that I didn’t like it. [I have been called that] since I was 10 years old, when playing in the Cruzeiro youth teams. I don’t like comparisons. For those who don’t know how to deal with it, it’s quite disruptive.
“At 17 years old, I don’t have time to waste listening to criticism. I want to be happy, I love playing football, I want to enjoy it to the fullest. Me being Estevao is very good.”
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Estevao has also shared what Thiago Silva has told him about Chelsea ahead of his move to the Blues.
Who else has Estevao Willian been compared to?
Messi is not the only player whom Estevao has been compared to. Similarities have also been drawn between Estevao and another attacker with connections to Barcelona.
Brazil legend Ronaldo recently spoke about Lamine Yamal and compared Estevao to the Euro 2024 winner.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, Ronaldo said: “He’s a young player and very talented. He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football. He’s very promising, and at just 17. I think he’ll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup, then join Chelsea.”
If Estevao can do half of what Yamal has been doing for Barcelona and Spain when he joins Chelsea, then the Blues will be delighted.
Yamal has been in brilliant form for his club this season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists in just 15 La Liga appearances.
The 17-year-old, of course, also played a huge role in Spain winning the European Championship in the summer. He scored an incredible goal in the semi-finals against France and finished the tournament with four assists. Estevao also being compared to him bodes well for Chelsea.
Related Posts