Chelsea superstar begs for Messi comparisons to end

Cameron Smith

• 11 Oct 2024 18:00 BST
• 3 min read

Future Chelsea superstar Estevao Willian has admitted that he is eager to lose the nickname ‘Messinho.’

The 17-year-old will officially join Chelsea from Palmeiras next summer after the Blues agreed an initial €34 million deal with the Brazilian giants earlier this year.

Estevao has 15 goals and 10 assists since the start of 2024 and Chelsea are set to hand him a key first-team role upon his arrival in 2025.

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The west London outfit have the option of loaning him to sister club Strasbourg, but they are reportedly expected to give the 17-year-old a chance to impress in the senior side at Stamford Bridge.

Estevao is widely considered to be one of the best talents in world football and he has frequently been called ‘Messinho’ - which translates to ‘Little Messi’ - since his breakthrough at former club Cruzeiro. However, the Brazilian isn’t a fan of the nickname.

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What has Estevao said?

“It would be better to call me Estevao Willian,” the Palmeiras youngster told Brazilian outlet Placar.

“It wasn’t even me who created this [Messinho], it was the media. And it’s something I didn’t like, to be honest.

“One thing I try to do is be myself. I’m Estevao, I’m building my career, my football and my story. I’m very happy for the recognition, but it’s something I didn’t like.

“I’m trying to distance myself from it more and more. I’ve already distanced myself quite a bit and I hope that ends once and for all.”

Estevao also revealed his desire to become the best player in world football. “I know my potential, I know I can do even more and, of course, we are slowly working towards it,” he said.

“I think I have the potential to be the best I can be. And the best I can be, God willing, is to be in the World Cup and be the best in the world. I think that depends a lot on me.”