It's official! Chelsea have signed the next Neymar

Cameron Smith

• 21 Oct 2024 12:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea-bound wonderkid Estevao Willian has officially broken Neymar’s record for the most goal involvements from an U17 player in a single season of the Brazilian top flight.

Estevao marked his first start since mid-September with a goal and an assist as Palmeiras ran out 5-3 winners over Juventude on Sunday night, and he eclipsed Neymar’s record in the process.

The Brazilian wonderkid now has 18 goal involvements in 24 league games so far this season - courtesy of 10 goals and eight assists - which has topped Neymar’s tally of 16 during his breakthrough year at Santos back in 2009.

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In addition, Estevao leads the assist charts in the Brasileirao, while he is second in the top goalscorer standings - one behind Flamengo forward Pedro.

The 17-year-old has the most goal involvements of any player in the top flight of Brazilian football, despite his tender age, and comparisons with Neymar have ramped up following his latest record.

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Estevao to join Chelsea in 2025

Estevao has been widely tipped to contend for the Ballon d’Or in the future and his rise to stardom began aged 10, when he became the youngest Brazilian player to sign a sponsorship deal with Nike.

His development has been closely monitored since then, and Chelsea won the race for his signature earlier this year, despite immense competition from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The teenager will officially link up with his new team-mates when he turns 18 next year, and reports suggest he is set to be handed an immediate place in the first-team upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Estevao, who already has two senior caps for Brazil, outlined his career ambitions during a recent interview with The Guardian.

“I want to win titles and show all my potential, show everything I can do,” he said. “Champion of the World Cup, Premier League and Champions League. That’s what I want.

“My biggest dream is to be the best player in the world. That’s my dream. One day I’ll be among the best. But I’m not going to promise or project that I’ll achieve this in a few years. It’ll come naturally.”