Chelsea will no doubt be relishing their Club World Cup quarter-final tie against Palmeiras at the weekend for a number of reasons.
The Blues have been handed a favourable draw for the competition, only made easier down the road after Thiago Silva helped eliminate Inter Milan, and Manchester City were also knocked out.
However, it also gives the club the opportunity to see future star Estevao Willian in the flesh for the first time up against an English side, even if it is against them.
Marc Cucurella and Reece James will already be preparing for a potentially tough fixture, given the youngster’s ability to play on either side in attack.
On a number of occasions, the Brazilian league side have replaced their star man early. He came off after just an hour of their Round of 16 tie, a decision which frustrated Estevao.
Estevao Willian in action during SE Palmeiras v Botafogo FR: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Palmeiras fans call for Estevao to be dropped vs Chelsea in Club World Cup
With Palmeiras supporters already unhappy at Estevao, they have now taken to social media to claim that he should actually be benched for the quarter-final against Chelsea.
One user said: “In soccer, there’s no right or wrong, especially when talking about something on Monday that will only happen on Friday, but I wouldn’t start Estêvão for Palmeiras and Chelsea. Me. But I don’t call the shots, and it’s the coaching staff and managers who decide.”
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Another added: “Man, I’m already thinking differently! I think Palmeiras has every chance of getting past Chelsea, but they need to play a flawless defensive game and have a fast, precise attack—that’s the issue. If Paulinho were 100%, success would be guaranteed! Estevão doesn’t perform in big games.”
A third claimed: “They’re saying there will be a shake-up in the squad. I believe someone will replace Veiga, Estevão, and a left-back (Piquerez’s departure). Let’s see how things will be after the Club World Cup, things will change.”
Tão falando que vai reformulação no elenco. Acredito que vem alguém no lugar do Veiga, Estevão e um lateral esquerdo (saída do Piquerez).
Vamos ver como será o pos mundial, coisas vão mudar.
— Psi Cesar Fontana (@cesarfontanapsi) June 30, 2025
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Finally, one user stated: “It was obvious that the Brazilians would all crash out in the round of 16, they played poorly in the 3rd group stage match! Palmeiras got through because they got lucky against another Brazilian team, but they’re gonna take another beating from Chelsea; owners of Estêvão, who won’t even play; good for him to get away from Abel! World Cup preview!”
Estevao Willian celebrates with teammates Mayke and Facundo Torres during SE Palmeiras v Botafogo FR: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Estevao’s Club World Cup so far
The Brazil international is yet to find the net during the competition, however has still provided plenty of positives to his side.
Estevao has twice been player of the match, and has impressed despite the high expectations placed on his 18-year-old shoulders.
The winger is set to join up with Enzo Maresca’s first team at the conclusion of the tournament, with there no intention to loan him out for next season.
There will be plenty of competition for places on the wings at Stamford Bridge next season. As well as Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens is set to join the club this summer.