EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by News Images/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (17158146gi) Estevao of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Brentford and Chelsea at GTECH Community Stadium in London, United Kingdom, on September 18, 2026. Brentford v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27, United Kingdom - 18 Sep 2026
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti appears unfazed that Estevao is not getting much game time for Chelsea, insisting he will continue to pick him anyway.
The 19-year-old joined the Blues from Palmeiras and made his debut for the Premier League side in August last year.
His first season was hampered by injuries, but he still made 36 appearances in all comeptitions, scoring eight goals.
The winger has made six appearances already this season, but his four Premier League outings have all come as a substitute.
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With Xabi Alonso’s preferred formation it is not clear how Estevao will get many starts, with a set front three of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.
Ancelotti accepts the situation at Stamford Bridge – where he was manager from 2009-11 – and says it will have little impact on his decisions as Brazil boss.
‘Estevao is a very important player for the national team. Sometimes the club’s interests are not the same as the national team’s interests,’ said the Italian.
Carlo Ancelotti continues as Brazil boss after a disappointing World Cup (Picture: Getty Images)
‘For us, Estevao, along with other young players, is very, very important, and if he doesn’t play, if he doesn’t get minutes at the club, I’m going to call him up, because we think he’s very important for the future, and we’re going to give him the opportunity to improve his development.’
Estevao has also addressed the situation after reports emerged that he is growing unhappy with his situation in west London.
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‘I think every coach has their own way of playing’ Estevao said. ‘Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that’s what I do.
(FILES) Brazil's forward #20 Estevao celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Chile, at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 4, 2025. Young forward Estevao celebrated on September 21, 2026, calling it "a privilege" to return to the Brazilian national team after missing the 2026 World Cup due to injury. The 19-year-old Chelsea winger is back with Carlo Ancelotti's "Canarinha" for the friendly matches the five-time world champions will play against Australiaon September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbaneand Indiaon October 3, 2026, in Kolkata. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)
‘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.’
Norway v England: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup 2026
The 11-cap Brazil international added: ‘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.’
Brazil have an unusual international break this time round, with two friendlies against Australia and a third against India.
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (17134974ci) Josh King of Fulham at full time Fulham v Crystal Palace, Premier League Football, Football, Craven Cottage, London, UK - 05 Sep 2026