Former Liverpool star Djibril Cisse has tipped Chelsea star Estevao to potentially contend with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or in the future. The two teenagers are two of the most highly rated young players on the planet, and Cisse believes both could potentially face each other for the greatest individual award in the sport soon.
Speaking in a recent interview, Cisse praised the Brazilian for his winning goal in the Blues’ last game against Liverpool:
“It is really good to see Estavao playing so well in the Premier League at the moment at such a young age. He has put in some really strong performances this season. I thought he changed the game against Liverpool.
There are a lot of talented young players at the moment like him and Lamine Yamal, but their careers will depend a lot on how they grow up.”
He continued, comparing the two players:
“Yamal was second in the Ballon d’Or, but to win big awards like that you need more than talent. Estevao will need to be mentally strong and consistent at the top level with more big moments, but the goal against Liverpool will certainly help him a lot.”
Lamine Yamal and Estevao are both just 18 and contracted to Barcelona and Chelsea until the summer of 2031 and 2033 respectively. Both clubs will hope Cisse’s prediction is correct and the teenagers achieve the lofty heights expected of them.
Chelsea and Barcelona Have Wonderkids in Estevao and Lamine Yamal
Chelsea and Barcelona stars Estevao and Lamine Yamal have proven that age is not an indicator of quality in recent seasons. The teenage duo have impressed for their respective sides and claimed respect and accolades despite both just turning 18.
Yamal is already a seasoned professional, making over 100 senior appearances for Blaugrana after coming through their famed La Masia youth ranks. Estevao is a player who, while new to European audiences, has also made a name for himself in his native South America, representing Palmeiras so impressively before his move to Chelsea, he was dubbed “Messinho”.
Fans will watch with bated breath and hope that the pair can continue developing at their current rate, with many years between them and their projected peak in the game to come.