As if Chelsea fans could love Estevao Willian any more, he just did something special against Barcelona.
Coming into the game, the comparisons between Estevao and Lamine Yamal were inescapable.
It was the young Chelsea star who stole the spotlight with a moment of magic — a solo goal that represents what makes the Champions League so special.
And a goal that will live long in the memory of those at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao’s stunning goal against Barcelona!
Chelsea fans in awe of Estevao Willian’s Barcelona performance
There was so much expectation on the Brazilian’s shoulders coming into this tie. Many young players shrink under the bright lights, but that has not been the case here.
Alan Shearer said it doesn’t get much better than Estevao’s performance.
And Chelsea fans have reacted as you would expect.
One fan says: “Starboy… We have officially ended the Yamal/Estevao debate.”
The Yamal digs will be flying after so much was made of this matchup, and this fan is thinking along the same lines: “He’s a magician… he showed Yamal how to play football today.”
The Chelsea youngster obviously has a bright future ahead of him, and one overjoyed fan is seeing the awards already: “The pundits and the ‘experts’ came to see Yamal but they witnessed future Ballon d’Or winner, Estevao!!!!! Welcome to the show.”
Marc Cucurella battling with Lamine Yamal
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“Did Lamine Yamal miss his flight to England? Didn’t see him at all tonight!,” said another ecstatic supporter.
But leaving the Barcelona star — who had a very quiet game — to one side. This is Estevao’s moment.
Put simply: “Remember the name, Estevao Willian.”
Estevao celebrates goal for Chelsea against Barcelona
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
One fan points out the Barcelona connection with Estevao, and says: “Well he did say he wanted to play for Barca so scoring against them in Champions League must mean a lot.”
The goal was phenomenal.
Not only the mazey run through two defenders, but the frankly ridiculous strike on his weak foot that left this fan in awe: “64mph? That’s not a goal, that’s a speeding ticket for Barca’s defence! Estevão, you’re the cheat code Chelsea needed: youth, flair, & family fuel. Future Ballon d’Or loading…”
Who was your Player of the Match vs Barcelona?
A breakout moment for Estevao
Estevao has been wowing us consistently since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but this performance feels like him announcing himself as the next elite star in Europe.
The confidence he will take from this is sure to pay dividends later in the season.
And the best part for him and for the whole Chelsea squad? They hardly broke a sweat during a comfortable 3-0 win.
What a night for the Blues, and especially for Estevao.