Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Barcelona put Estêvão in the spotlight not only in England, but in Spain as well.
Spanish journalist [**Eduardo Burgos**](https://as.com/futbol/internacional/estevao-no-quiso-ser-messi-f202511-n/) wrote that the Catalan club left London convinced they had allowed a rare talent to slip away, while Chelsea continue to see their signing develop at remarkable speed.
#### Bitter regret in Catalunya
According to the story, Barcelona’s sense of regret has grown because Estêvão was once close to joining them. Burgos explains that the Brazilian always held strong admiration for the Camp Nou. They even dreamed of wearing the Barça shirt during his Palmeiras rise.
The Catalans scouted him repeatedly between 2021 and 2024, but their financial constraints prevented a formal push, despite internal support from the technical staff.
AS underlined that this history only magnified the impact of his display in London. Burgos describes a “recital”, noting that Estêvão repeatedly troubled Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsí throughout the match.
For Chelsea, the teenager’s evolution already justifies the €72m package, which now looks like a bargain.
Chelsea offered the environment he needed: minutes, structure and the freedom to play without comparisons. That space allowed the winger to progress in his own rhythm and show a level that Barcelona could not accommodate while Lamine Yamal dominated their right flank.
Burgos also highlights the long-term project built around Estêvão. His representatives closely manage his development with a plan aimed at collective success first – Premier League, Champions League and international trophies – which could later lead to individual recognition such as the Ballon d’Or.
He concluded that Chelsea now hold one of the most exciting young players in Europe, while Barcelona are left wondering how they missed the chance to bring him to the Camp Nou. What happens next remains uncertain, but the trajectory at Stamford Bridge points upward.