Even by the highest standards of Brazilian idols, the exaggeration surrounding Chelsea's 18-year-old striker Estevao has reached its peak.
Estevao signed for Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2024 with an initial fee of €34 million, along with performance-based allowances, which could increase the total transfer value to around €67 million.
However, it was not until this summer, when he turned 18, that he officially moved to Europe. Immediately, this young striker impressed with the decisive goal in the 95th minute against Liverpool and added an assist after only 9 matches in all competitions.
Last year, Estevao coach at Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira, commented: "This guy is different from everything I have ever seen." Since then, compliments have come from all over. Neymar called his junior "a genius", while Erling Haaland rated Estevao as a "genie".
However, the pressure of being compared to great players could be a big challenge for his young career. However, like Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Estevao seem to have prepared carefully to shine under the European stage.
Estevao's career at The Blues has only lasted 341 minutes, but he has quickly become the center of attention. However, that does not seem to concern him, because the 18-year-old striker has been a star - in one way or another - for a long time.
Estevao has played eight times for Brazil and scored three goals in his promising international career. If he maintains his form and health, he is predicted to participate in the 2026 World Cup and compete fiercely with stars like Vinicius, Rodrygo or Raphinha for playing time. However, Estevao is still a teenager, looking for a way to adapt to a completely new world of professional football.
"A lot of people have high expectations for him. It took Estevao time to understand that accompanying top players was not automatically helping him shine. He has to prove himself and he has the ability to do it," said coach Rogerio Ferreira, who led Estevao at Palmeiras.
So far, Estevao has created outstanding moments, opening up his extraordinary potential. Chelsea fans and coach Enzo Maresca will be very interested in how long he will keep his position in the starting lineup. Estevao seemed ready to explode, but he also knew how to wait patiently for his opportunity.
Estevao has scored a total of 27 goals and provided 15 assists in 83 matches for Palmeiras before moving to Chelsea. However, with an unimpressive physique, he realized that life in the Premier League would require more adjustments and adaptations.
"What I want is to stabilize my life. Playing in the Premier League and Champions League is a dream come true. The 2026 World Cup is also a big target, but first, I have to prove myself at Chelsea" - Estevao said.
