Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian will get to play against some of the best players in the world when he joins Chelsea next year.
Chelsea signed Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in the summer, and the 17-year-old will officially move to the Premier League in 2025 when he turns 18.
Before then, though, Estevao will get the chance to take on Lionel Messi, who is also one of the best footballers in the game.
His Palmeiras side have been drawn in the same group as Messi’s Inter Miami at the Club World Cup. Similarities have actually been drawn between Estevao and Messi.
Lionel Messi of Argentina runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Al...
Photo by Carlos Sipán/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian’s pending request to Lionel Messi
Estevao is excited for the tournament and is looking forward to going up against Messi.
The young Brazilian has already revealed that he is planning to ask for the World Cup winner’s shirt after the game.
Speaking to ESPN, Estevao said: “I’m going to ask for his shirt! Who knows, maybe score a goal, win the game… I think that’s the most important thing.”
On the subject of shirts, Estevao wants to wear the No.41 jersey at Chelsea when his transfer officially goes through.
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How Estevao Willian reacted to Club World Cup draw
It would have been really interesting if Palmeiras had drawn Chelsea in the Club World Cup.
Enzo Maresca‘s side are, of course, also in the competition following the Blues’ Champions League triumph back in 2021.
However, Estevao is still excited about the group Palmeiras have found themselves in.
In the same interview with ESPN, he said: “When we fell into his group, I couldn’t believe that I was going to face my biggest idol, a guy who is a reference on and off the field for me. It’s going to be a special moment, not only for me, but for all Palmeiras fans, the players. I think it will be very important.”
As for Chelsea, they should be really excited as well. The Club World Cup presents them with an opportunity to win a trophy.
They should have one before the tournament kicks off, though, with Maresca’s team steamrolling the Conference League right now. It is a competition that they really should win. Not doing so would be truly disappointing.
Chelsea’s next game in the Conference League is against Astana later. Axel Disasi has given some advice to Chelsea’s youngsters ahead of the match that will be played in the freezing cold.
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