In the battle of the teenage wonderkids between Estevao and Lamine Yamal, it was the Chelsea starlet who shone brightest as the Blues ran riot with a stunning 3-0 victory over 10-man Barcelona. Much of the pre-match talk heading into tonight's game focused on the two teens who many envision will dominate on the world stage for years to come.
Yamal has already reached that level after starring for Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph last year, before enjoying a sensational season with Barca. He was expected to be the Catalans' biggest threat tonight but his fellow countryman Marc Cucurella rarely gave him a sniff.
Chelsea's win was perhaps the best of Enzo Maresca's reign, and the Italian got it right, starting Estevao from the off. Much has been made of his handling of the Brazilian, who hasn't been a regular starter, but he was let off the leash on a night to remember for the Blues' summer signing.
Estevao Shines While Yamal Stutters
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-11-25T223540.572
It could have been six if not for three goals being ruled out for offside and handball but the west Londoners remained focus on the task at hand to bag another three. The first came through a Jules Kounde own goal after a clever low-driven cross from Cucurella.
Maresca's men were sensational as a collective, but Estevao, along with Cucurella, were the stars of the show, as he flourished out on the right and gave Alejandro Balde a torrid time. He marked his stellar showing with one of the best goals of the Champions League campaign thus far, firing into the roof of the net with his weaker foot to put his name up in lights with the world watching.
Estevao, three months older than Yamal, became the third teenager to score in each of his three Champions League starts. We've become so used to the Barca winger breaking and setting records but there's a new kid on the block.
“It’s the best moment in my career… my family is here, I’m so so happy”. “I don't really have any words to sum up how I am feeling. It was all very quick for me. I found some space and wiggled my way through" - Estevao to Amazon Prime.
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-11-25T223711.245
Yamal had a quiet night up against Cucurella, who had his compatriot's number throughout at Stamford Bridge. Nothing seemed to click for this year's Ballon d'Or runner-up, and these are the kind of games when you need to be your team's talisman in a difficult situation, especially after Ronald Araujo's sending off.
"Lamine Yamal has ghosted in the match that Estevao shined the most" - Spanish outlet Diario Sport.
Hansi Flick decided to bring Yamal off with 10 minutes remaining, and his face told the story about a disappointing display. He missed one big chance for the Blaugrana and succeeded with just two of his five dribble attempts.
Zola and Rooney Hail Chelsea's New Superstar Estevao
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-11-25T224007.292
First there was Gianfranco Zola, then there was Eden Hazard, and now, Chelsea have unearthed another gem in Estevao. He doesn't look fazed by the magnitude of his high-profile move to Stamford Bridge nor the 'starboy' label handed him ahead of his arrival.
Zola was at the Bridge to watch the Selecao star strut his stuff, and the Blues' icon was full of praise. He told Amazon Prime:
"He was very good, he played like somebody older than his age. What I like about him is that when there's a possibility to do something difficult, he does it. He does it with no hesitation; that's a great quality. Certainly, today he scored a fantastic goal. He was important for the team. Every time I see him, I see something new in him."
Many fans have been eager to see Estevao be handed more game time at the start of his Blues career, but Maresca hasn't budged from his plan to ease him into elite European football. He was making his eighth start in 16 appearances across competitions.
Wayne Rooney, who knows all about the pressure that comes with being a teenage talisman, pointed out how effective Maresca's handling of the Brazilian has been:
"I think the manager has used him really well, sparingly in the Premier League and in Europe it isn't as physical. And tonight as the lad said he was fantastic. His decision to drive with the ball, to run off the ball, to play inside, but also defensively, his work rate was very good as well. If he keeps doing what he's doing, he'll give his manager no option but to play him in every game."
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-11-25T224118.210
Real Madrid will be ruing not moving for Estevao, having been in the race to sign him before Chelsea agreed a £29 million deal with Palmeiras. ESPN in Brazil reports that there is "growing unease" at the Santiago Bernabeu about missing out on him.
El Clasico could have featured two of the best teenage talents in world football had Madrid swooped. But the Premier League instead gets to watch the Selecao sensation continue a meteoric rise.