Chelsea's new Neymar: Estevao makes Brazil history

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Nov 2024 11:23 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian has become the first U18 player to record 20 goal contributions in a single Serie A season in Brazil.

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The Palmeiras wonderkid continues to showcase just what a special talent Chelsea managed to snap up in the summer when they agreed a whopping €60 million deal for the 17-year-old.

Due to his age, Estevao won't be able to link up with the Blues until next year, but when he finally does, he will be immediately integrated into the first team - and it's not hard to see why.

The winger, boasting silky smooth skills and a decisiveness in the final third beyond his years, has invariably been compared to the likes of Lionel Messi - he has even been nicknamed 'Messinho' - and Neymar, but Estevao is intent on forging his own path.

Estevao sets Brazil record

Overnight, Estevao was in action with Palmeiras against Gremio and the teenager ended up scoring the goal that not only sealed all three points for his side but also set a new Serie A record.

It was his 12th goal of the season - in his 27th appearance - and combined with his eight assists, it meant that Estevao became the first player under the age of 18 to record 20 goal contributions in a single Serie A campaign.

With five league games still to be played, the teenager can yet extend his record further and he will need to do so if Palmeiras want to defend their 2023 title. Currently, Botafogo are three points ahead of the Sao Paulo outfit and still have yet to play this weekend.

However, even without tangible success this season, Estevao is well on his way to becoming a Brazil great, with the 17-year-old set to feature for the Selecao again in the upcoming international break.