Chelsea forward Estêvão has barely had time to unpack in London, but the 18-year-old is already making headlines back home after being named among the nominees for the 2024/25 Kopa Trophy, the Ballon d’Or’s award for the best player in the world under 21.
[Speaking to Brazil’s main evening news show, Jornal Nacional](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2025/08/07/estevao-agradece-ao-palmeiras-apos-indicacao-a-melhor-do-mundo-sub-21-no-bola-de-ouro-loucura.ghtml), the former Palmeiras prodigy called the recognition “crazy” and a reward for “hard work, resilience and dedication”. The winger said he found out about his nomination just after training, when messages started pouring in from his staff.
_“It’s crazy. I’ve only had a year and a half as a professional and things are happening very quickly. But thank God it’s all going in the best way possible. Knowing that all my effort is being recognised, and that I’m following the best steps, is incredible_,” Estêvão said.
He also reflected on joining a select list of Brazilian-based players to be nominated for the Kopa Trophy – the last being Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. “_It means a lot. This new generation is coming strong, and Rodrygo is a great player. Being alongside him is sensational._”
Estêvão admitted he never expected such recognition before even starting his European career, but insisted he’s ready to seize the moment. “_I’m still only 18, it’s not even at the limit for the under-21 category, and things are moving fast. But God has given me the opportunity every day to build an incredible career, and I’m very happy about that_.”
His first display at Stamford Bridge has already shown flashes of what made him a star in Brazil: the precision dribbles, the composed finishing and, as this latest nomination shows, the personality to match.