Estêvão Willian, known simply as Estêvão, grew up in Franca, São Paulo state, and joined Palmeiras’ academy as a boy. He made his senior debut at 16 and quickly became one of the stars of Brazilian football, earning the nickname “Messinho” for his left foot and dribbling.
Chelsea agreed to sign him in 2024, with the transfer completed in 2025 after he turned 18. His last matches for Palmeiras came at the 2025 Club World Cup, where he scored against Chelsea in the quarter-final before joining them weeks later.
Estêvão has already been capped by Brazil.
Playing style
Estêvão is a left-footed winger with outstanding dribbling ability and creativity. He usually plays on the right, cutting inside to shoot or create. His close control, balance and quick feet allow him to beat defenders in tight spaces, and he is not afraid to try the difficult option. He is also a good finisher and an accurate passer. Although still a teenager, he has shown maturity in big games, including at the Club World Cup, where he scored against Chelsea before joining them. Brazilian observers see him as one of the most talented players to emerge from the country in years.
International career
Estêvão made his Brazil debut in 2024, at 17, and has since been included in several squads. He is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Brazilian football and a potential future star for the national team.
Career in numbers
Estêvão’s senior club career, which began in 2023, has so far brought 125 appearances and 35 goals for 2 clubs. His best scoring return came in 2024: 15 goals in 45 appearances for Palmeiras. So far in 2026/27 he has made 6 appearances for Chelsea. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.