Estêvão once again led Brazil’s attack last night, scoring the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Lille.
The Chelsea winger converted a first-half penalty to level the match and continued to be the team’s most dangerous player. But as explained by [**Globo Esporte**](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2025/11/18/estevao-explica-nao-ter-batido-penalti-perdido-por-paqueta-foi-ordem.ghtml), the spotlight turned to a second penalty in the second half, when West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá stepped up and missed.
After the match, Estêvão was asked why he didn’t take the second spot-kick, especially after scoring the first one with confidence. The 18-year-old gave a shy smile before explaining he was told to pass it to the West Ham player.
_“An order came… it was an order,”_ he said. _“Of course I supported my teammate. We have to train to improve. In a World Cup you need to take your chances. I really wanted to take it, but the order came and I gave the ball to my teammate. Not this time. Now it’s about working.”_
The decision came from Carlo Ancelotti. Captain Marquinhos confirmed that he ran to the bench to check who the coach wanted as the taker.
_“I was in a decision there. The last word is always from our coach, so I ran to ask who he wanted. I think he also wanted to test Paquetá, to see how he would respond. He didn’t manage to score, but that happens. We wanted to win, but there’s a lot to learn from this match,”_ said the defender.
Chelsea youngster becoming Brazil star
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Estêvão remains Brazil’s top scorer under Ancelotti, with five goals. He also scored the opener against Senegal last Saturday with a powerful finish.
The Chelsea youngster described his year as one of “highs and lows”, but insisted that his progress with the national team reflects the work done “at the club and at home”.
His growing influence makes him one of the main figures of Brazil’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup, and one of the most monitored young players in Europe.