The long wait is finally over for Chelsea fans to see Estevao Willian wearing their colours.
It was confirmed 14 months ago that Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian would be joining Chelsea from Palmeiras in the 2025 summer window. In the meantime, the Blues supporters have been closely watching the rise of the exciting 18-year-old talent.
The versatile attacker, who can play as a winger or a No.10, has now joined up with Enzo Maresca’s squad this week for the start of pre-season.
Estevao was spotted in a Chelsea kit for the first time earlier this week. Now, let’s wait and see if he makes his unofficial Blues debut in either of the upcoming pre-season fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen (8 August) or AC Milan (10 August).
Estevao Willian playing for Palmeiras against Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Estevao Willian shares his three major goals
Without a doubt, supporters are going to be super excited after hearing Estevao’s comments during his first official interview as a Chelsea player.
The senior Brazil international shared his three long-term goals with the Blues, including winning both the Premier League and the Champions League. On top of that, his third target is to become the best player in the world.
Estevao said via Chelsea’s official website: “[My long-term goals at Chelsea are] I want to win all the titles possible: the Premier League and the Champions League as well. And personally, to be the best in the world and keep working hard so that these dreams come true.”
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It takes some confidence and ambition to publicly set your sights on becoming the world’s best, but Estevao arrives with quite a special reputation. At the age of 18, he’s already racked up a lot of first-team experience in Brazil.
Appearances Goals Assists Trophies
83 27 15 2
Estevao Willian’s senior record for Palmeiras
Chelsea are expected to slowly ease Estevao in to give him time to adjust to a new league, country and home.
The biggest obstacle may be for the South American rising star to deal with the extra pressure and scrutiny that will undoubtedly follow him. In fairness, he may not have helped in that regard with his comments above, but we simply love his belief and drive.
Estevao Willian playing for Palmeiras against Chelsea FC in the Club World Cup.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Do Chelsea have a future Ballon d’Or winner in their ranks?
No one has ever won the Ballon d’Or, the annual individual prize awarded to the world’s best player, while at Chelsea.
Incidentally, the closest was when Frank Lampard finished as the runner-up behind Ronaldinho in 2005. Also, Yaya Toure said Didier Drogba should’ve won the Ballon d’Or during his sensational playing career.
In the current Chelsea ranks, Cole Palmer, 23, feels like the most obvious candidate to challenge for the individual crown. The attacking midfielder has the knack of delivering in the biggest moments, so we can’t wait to watch him in the Champions League in the new season. On top of that, he should have a big say in England’s run at the 2026 World Cup.
It feels both unnecessary and like guesswork to suggest Estevao can be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future, but we’re excited that it’s on his radar in his career.