Twelve months after a deal was struck to bring him to Stamford Bridge, Estevao has finally arrived at Chelsea in time for the 2025/26 season.
Ranked at no.10 in FourFourTwo’s list of the most exciting teenagers in the world last year, Estevao arrives on British shores with plenty of hype following a whirlwind last 18 months which has seen him make his senior debuts for club and country.
During his short career so far, the 18-year-old has showcased a fearless playing style, which sees him taking risks, trying new things and - perhaps crucially - unafraid to make mistakes.
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Estevao on his fearless playing style
Estevao Willian celebrates a goal for Palmeiras against Uruguayan side Liverpool in the Copa Libertadores in April 2024.
Estevao already has five Brazilian caps before his 19th birthday(Image credit: Getty Images)
“That comes from my dad,” Estevao tells FourFourTwo when asked about this mentality.
“He’s always told me, ‘Never stop being yourself’. If I make a mistake during play, I don’t have time to dwell on it. You’ve only got seconds to react, because at any moment, the ball could be at your feet again and you’ve got to be ready to do something with it.”
CURITIBA, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 3: Estêvão Willian of Brazil training during Brazil Training Session at CT do Caju on September 3, 2024 in Curitiba, Brazil. (Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Chelsea
Estevao training with the Brazil national team last year(Image credit: Getty Images)
“My dad has always hammered that idea into me – it’s just about staying switched on and trusting your instincts. If there’s space to take a man on, I’ll take him on.
“If the better option is to pass, I’ll pass. I’ll do what I know and what I’ve been trained to do. I know what I’m capable of. I know what I’ve got inside me.
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“That’s why mistakes don’t get to me. I trust in what I believe, and I’ll keep trying until it comes off.”
This attitude saw Estevao rack up four senior Brazil caps before he turned 18 in April, while he left Palmeiras this summer having made 83 senior appearances, scoring 27 goals.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca celebrates after his side's success in the FIFA Club World Cup
The Brazilian teenager will be hoping to quickly play his way into Enzo Maresca's first team(Image credit: Getty Images)
Chelsea fans got their first glimpse of the Brazilian forward in action when he netted in a pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month.
The Stamford Bridge faithful will now be hoping that he will light up the Premier League when the Blues kick off their campaign with a home test against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.