Introduction
Critics have questioned Chelsea’s youth recruiting approach, but it may be starting to work. Young Brazilian star called “Messinho,” Estevao Willian has been voted second best youngster in world football in Goal.com’s NXGN 2024 ranking.
Historically, the list has pointed up future superstars including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Chelsea’s own Jadon Sancho. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal leads the list this year, but Chelsea supporters will be happy to find their young hero placed just below him.
But who exactly is Estevao Willian, and what makes him comparable to Neymar? Let us examine more closely.
Who is Estevao Willian?
Estevao, a 17-year-old winger now with Palmeiras in Brazil, was born in April 2007. Though he stays on loan at Palmeiras until he reaches 18 in 2025, Chelsea signed him in June 2023 for an initial price of £29 million ($37m).
What Makes Him “Messinho”?
Fans have given him the nickname “Messinho” because of his:
Low center of gravity—Much like Lionel Messi, he is extremely nimble.
His playmaking abilities distinguish him.
Chelsea may have hit gold with Estevao; his growing stock indicates his market value has already doubled since his transfer.
Estevao Willian and his Outstanding Palmeiras Performances
Estevao has been outstanding for Palmeiras, adding: “5 goals in 15 games thus far in 2024. 15 goals and 10 assists in 2023—A proof of his fast improvement.
Should he keep up this speed, he might readily exceed his performance from last season, so qualifying as one of Brazil’s most interesting emerging stars.
International Fame: A Future Brazil Superstar?
Impressive for a young child, Estevao has already been called up to the senior Brazil national squad.
Though he did not play versus Colombia, he was named in the March international break squad. On March 25, though, he has a chance to play against Argentina, where he might share the field with Lionel Messi—the actual person he is called after.
His worldwide fame will only keep growing if he does well in that game.
Chelsea’s Youth Strategy: Intelligent or Scattershot?
Chelsea’s new ownership group has vigorously sought elite adolescent talents globally, a policy that has attracted both accolades and criticism.
Critics claim: Chelsea is signing too many young people in the hopes that some would become superstars. The team is betting on possibility; hence it’s a scattergun strategy.
Supporters Claim: Chelsea is planning for the future by early acquisition of great talent. The approach will pay off greatly if even one or two players turn world-class.
Estevao Willian could help Chelsea to already have their jackpot in the works.
Estevao Willian: The Next Neymar?
Brazilian football has been looking for the next Neymar, and Estevao Willian is already being suggested for that position.
His ability is unquestionable, though, so naturally it’s too early to have such great hopes on him. Chelsea’s outlay will seem like a steal if he can match even a small portion of Neymar’s success.
🔵🇧🇷 Future Chelsea gem Estêvão Willian breaks Neymar’s record for the U-17 with the most G/A in a single edition of the Brasileirão!
Estêvão has completed 18 G/A for Palmeiras in Brasileirão this season… waiting to join #CFC in July. ✨ pic.twitter.com/YAor8gvOk9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 21, 2024
Conclusion
Chelsea’s audacious young recruiting plan has produced Estevao Willian, one of the most fascinating teens in the world. Second on the NXGN list, he is already showing why the Blues battled so much to acquire him.
At only 17 years old, Estevao is already a senior Brazil international.
Scoring goals and assisting, he is ripping it up at Palmeiras.
Chelsea’s long-term plan could be starting to work.
Chelsea supporters have much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond given Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian spearheading the next generation of football.
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