Estêvão
London, United Kingdom – 09 30 2025: Estevao seen during Champions League league phase game between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus offered public backing to Chelsea youngster Estêvão ahead of Sunday’s London derby, with the Brazilian speaking to UOL’s Danilo Lavieri about the next generation coming through from Palmeiras.
Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates in the Premier League, yet neither of the two Palmeiras graduates featured. Gabriel Jesus was named on the bench but did not come on. Meanwhile, Estêvão missed the match through injury.
Estêvão, who joined Chelsea in a deal agreed in 2024 worth up to £52.5m (€61.5m), officially moved after turning 18 and finishing his commitments with Palmeiras at the Club World Cup. In just over six months in England, he has made 32 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering two assists.
His minutes have increased, especially following Liam Rosenior’s arrival. That context makes Jesus’ words even more significant.
Advice from nine years in Europe
Speaking to the Brazilian press, Gabriel Jesus reflected on his own journey and offered encouragement to the teenager.
“I think Estêvão has everything to follow a successful path in the Premier League. He is a boy with a very good heart and a dedicated professional,” the Arsenal forward said.
He then underlined how difficult the adaptation can be.
“We know how hard this journey is, and what I can say is that resilience, effort and dedication are fundamental, as well as having the presence of God in our lives and also a strong family base. These are the factors that strengthen us as a person and as a professional, and I, with nine years in Europe, am living proof that this can be achieved.”
Jesus has now spent nearly a decade in European football, first at Manchester City and now at Arsenal. Therefore, his perspective carries weight, especially for young Brazilians arriving with high expectations and significant transfer fees.
Different stages, same pathway
Gabriel Jesus
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20, 2026:
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal reacts
during the UEFA Champions League
FC INTERNAZIONALE v ARSENAL FC
at San Siro Stadium.
From Arsenal’s side, Jesus represents experience and adaptation. He knows the league, the pressure and the expectations around a title race. Even featuring less each year, he’s still delivering important goals and his ability carries weight inside Arteta’s squad.
For Chelsea, Estêvão is at the opposite end of the journey. He is a newcomer to English football and is currently dealing with the physical demands of the Premier League. The injury that kept him out of the derby is a reminder that development is rarely linear, but even his rival knows he’s on his way to be a great footballer.
While one Brazilian is already established and chasing another Premier League title, the other is still building his foundation.