Cole Palmer may have just been named in the FIFPRO Men’s World XI - but he's not Chelsea's current best player.
That's the view of talkSPORT broadcaster Sam Matterface, who has tipped the 18-year-old to win the Ballon d'Or one day.
Estevao celebrates scoring his first goal for Chelsea.
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Estevao has made an impressive start to his career at ChelseaCredit: Getty
Sam Matterface claims Chelsea star Estevao will WIN the Ballon d’Or one day!
Palmer, who finished eighth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings, has been limited to just four appearances in all competitions this season.
Plagued by a groin injury, the 23-year-old hasn't featured since September 20, resulting in boss Enzo Maresca turning to teenage starlet Estevao.
The Blues agreed to sign him from Palmeiras in June 2024, with the winger finally linking up in England earlier this summer.
Likened to Lionel Messi, he has so far featured in 16 matches - scoring four goals and providing one assist - and is the club's joint top scorer.
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His only Premier League goal to date is the dramatic winner against champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
But he continues to leave a lasting impression on fans whenever he takes to the pitch - as shown during his cameo off the bench in the recent 3-0 win against Wolves.
It was Estevao who created his side's second of the night for Joao Pedro, with his deflected low cross leaving his compatriot with an open goal.
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Such has been his form, Matterface believes the youngster is one day destined to win football's most coveted individual award.
He said of the forward: "Estevao, I don't care that he's 18, he is the best player in Chelsea's team right now.
“I said it before he arrived that he was going to be a superstar.
Cole Palmer stands in the rain during Manchester United vs Chelsea
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Palmer hasn't featured since September - allowing Estevao to be given more game timeCredit: Getty
Estevao scoring in Chelsea's Champions League draw away at Qarabag
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Estevao has found the back of the net on our occasions in all competitionsCredit: Getty
"And I will tell you this right now, he will win the Ballon d'Or one day.
“He is fearless, he is talented, he is silky, he is fast, he's creative, he's competitive, he's deadly.
"And he produces every time he comes off the bench for Chelsea and when he starts.
“He is 18, imagine how good he's gonna be when he grows up.”
Former Newcastle and West Ham boss Alan Pardew was also effusive in his praise for Estevao.
He declared that the winger is reminiscent of 1986 World Cup winner Diego Maradona - one of football's greatest ever players.
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Estevao's Premier League stats so far in the 2025/26 season
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Estevao has missed just one Premier League game this season
The talkSPORT co-host stated: "When you have got a player who can just stand the defender straight up and say, 'Well I'm going to take you on,' and he knows he's going to take him on and still beats him, then you know you've got a special player.
“He's so quick, he's so close to the ground and he's got that kind of Maradona way that he manouvres the ball.”