Estevao Willian hasn't had much of an opportunity to showcase his quality under Xabi Alonso this season, but he remains focused on helping Chelsea win silverware
Estevao of Chelsea celebrates his team's second goal, an own goal scored by Hakeem Odoffin of Luton Town during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on August 27, 2026 in London, England
Estevao Willian remains focused on helping Chelsea.(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
View Image
Estevao Willian has insisted that he remains focused on helping Chelsea win silverware, despite question marks over his future. The 19-year-old winger has so far struggled to force his way into Xabi Alonso's starting lineup, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers enjoying an excellent vein of form.
Although Estevao, whom the Blues agreed to sign from Palmeiras for £29m in May 2024, has already featured six times this season, he's played no more than 150 minutes. In fact, four of the Brazilian's appearances have come from off the bench in the Premier League, tallying a combined 23 minutes.
Estevao showed flashes of great promise during his cameo displays in the English top-flight, but, when tasked with spearheading the frontline against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup third round, he fell short of expectations. Alonso replaced him at half-time, and Chelsea came from behind to reach the next stage of the competition.
Despite limited opportunities to impress at Stamford Bridge under the Spaniard, Estevao earned a place in the latest Brazil squad. During a press conference while away on international duty in Brisbane, Australia, the teenager was quizzed on his time in west London.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"I think every coach has their own way of playing," said Estevao, as quoted by ESPN. "Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that's what I do. We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control.
"I try to give my best in training. When I get an opportunity, I try to give my best; it goes day after day. I try to seize every opportunity I have, I try to control everything I can, and I leave it in God's hands, and I trust myself a lot, too.
Estevao suffered a hamstring injury during a defeat to Manchester United in April 2026 and subsequently missed the chance to represent Brazil at the World Cup.
Despite fears that the Chelsea winger could require surgery and miss the start of the upcoming season, he worked hard to rebuild his fitness and make himself available for Alonso.
"My family was fundamental to me during this injury period, which isn't very easy for an athlete," said Estevao, as quoted by he CBF. "I think we missed a very special moment (the World Cup), but they were always by my side, from beginning to end, so I'm very grateful to them.
"I also used a lot of the word resilience, facing each day, forgetting what happened and focusing on the future. I'm very grateful to them and to God as well for helping me during this period. I'm very happy to be back."
Article continues below
When quizzed on his return to Carlo Ancelotti's side, who will play two friendlies against Australia and one against India, Estevao said: "Being here for this new cycle is very important for me and for all the young players who are arriving.
"I think everyone has to represent the Brazilian National Team in the best way possible, whether it's for points or not. We're going to try to give our best in these friendlies, that's what matters.
"The results will come, everyone just has to give their best, and everything will be alright..."