Brazilian pundit Walter Casagrande Jr. believes Chelsea’s Estêvão has everything needed to leave the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s biggest stars.
In a column for [**UOL**](https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/futebol/colunas/casagrande/2025/11/17/o-garoto-estevao-tem-tudo-para-sair-consagrado-da-copa-do-mundo-de-2026.htm), the former striker compared the 18-year-old to some of Europe’s most exciting young attackers and argued that the Chelsea winger already performs at an elite level.
#### An elite comparison for Chelsea player
Casagrande drew a direct line between Estêvão and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, noting the similarities in pace, dribbling and change of direction. _“Estêvão and Lamine Yamal manage to unite speed, dribbling and quick changes of direction with the ball at their feet, something very rare in football,”_ he wrote.
The Brazilian analyst also highlighted the teenager’s trademark diagonal dribbles and his powerful left-footed finish, describing his technique as “crystal clear”.
The columnist believes Estêvão will reach the same level of recognition as Yamal after a full Premier League season and the 2026 World Cup.
He pointed out that Europe has already taken notice of Chelsea’s £52m signing, adding that _“the player who is leaving Europeans open-mouthed is our Estêvão.”_
#### A true Brazilian footballer
Casagrande praised the winger’s ability to entertain both home and away fans. _“Estêvão is one of those rare players that even the opposing supporters enjoy watching, because he represents football art,”_ he wrote.
He added that the teenager can operate on the right, cut inside or even perform as a No.10, recalling that he carried the ‘Messinho’ nickname during his early years at Cruzeiro.
The columnist also called on Carlo Ancelotti to keep the Chelsea youngster in Brazil’s starting XI for the match against Tunisia. According to him, the national team coach has been positively surprised by the teenager’s performances and now considers him a serious contender for a starting role at the 2026 World Cup.
Casagrande’s comments reinforce the growing expectation around Estêvão at Chelsea and with Brazil. His form in the Premier League, his impact with the national team and his technical range continue to push him into the spotlight as one of the most exciting young players heading into 2026.