Estêvão Named Superior Player of the Match — Now Heading to Chelsea!

Eighteen‑year‑old Brazilian sensation Estêvão Willian put on a show in Palmeiras’ dramatic 2-1 quarter-final loss to Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup—and once again left no doubt why Chelsea are so excited to sign him.

Match-Brilliant Moment

• Estêvão scored a breathtaking equaliser in the 53rd minute, beating Levi Colwill and thundering the ball off the underside of the crossbar—leaving the crowd in awe. His outstanding display earned him the Superior Player of the Match award despite Palmeiras ultimately falling to a late own-goal.

Emotional Farewell

• In a post-match press conference, Estêvão admitted this was likely his final game for Palmeiras and expressed heartfelt gratitude to club and coach Abel Ferreira while calling the match “a dream”.

Chelsea Debut Pending

• Chelsea secured Estêvão last summer in a ~£29 million package that could rise to £52–55 million with add-ons. Under the agreement, he'll officially join the Blues after the Club World Cup wraps up.

Manager Enzo Maresca was full of praise:

“A perfect night… we advanced and saw glimpses of Chelsea’s future”.

Star of the Tournament

• This wasn't Estêvão's first standout: he also impressed in Palmeiras’ opener (0–0 vs Porto), earning Man of the Match honours for his dazzling display—showing twitchy dribbling and creative flair.

• Despite thoughts drifting toward Chelsea, he stressed his commitment to giving everything for Palmeiras in this tournament.

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Estêvão’s exquisite equaliser and two Man of the Match performances underline why Chelsea see him as a generational talent—nicknamed “Messinho” for his on-ball wizardry and vision.

As he prepares to join Chelsea, his stellar Club World Cup display serves notice: the Premier League is in for a special talent—and he’s ready to shine.

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At Stamford Bridge, a new chapter awaits for Estêvão. And with his current form? It promises to be spectacular.