In a vibrant football-loving nation like Brazil, where flair, creativity, and audacity are woven into the fabric of the game, a new star has arrived.
One who has taken the Brasileiro Serie A by storm and has earned the nickname “Messinho” for his style of play that is similar to the Argentine legend, shattering every record in the process set by another Brazilian star, Neymar.
Chelsea’s Shining Star: Estevao
Estevao, who turned 18 in April, has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents in world football.
Known for his electric performances, the Brazilian winger attracted attention from Europe’s elite, including; Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, PSG, and Bayern Munich – before ultimately signing with Chelsea.
Primarily operating from the right wing, Estevao is especially dangerous when cutting inside onto his favoured left foot, a move that has left defenders trailing.
This July, he will officially link up with the Blues, though for now, he remains focused on his current club, Palmeiras, as they compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
A product of early promise, Estevao began his football journey at a remarkably young age.
His talent was undeniable, and by age nine, he had joined the youth ranks of Cruzeiro, a club famed for nurturing future Brazilian stars such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Alex, Maicon, and Dida.
With a rapid rise marked by dazzling displays and record-breaking feats, Estevao is now widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the game.
At 10, due to his remarkable performances, he signed a professional contract with Nike, which made him the youngest footballer to do so, surpassing Rodrygo (11) and Neymar (13).
It was at Cruzeiro that Estevao earned the nickname “Little Messi” – a nod to the striking resemblance in playing style to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, thanks to his ability to glide past defenders with the ball seemingly glued to his left foot.
In 2021, after spending four years at Cruzeiro, he made a switch to Palmeiras, another famous club in Brazil known for nurturing bright talents, including Endrick (Real Madrid) and Gabriel Jesus (Man City/Arsenal).
His impact was immediate as he helped the youth team dominate their championship but it was in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Indonesia where he announced himself.
At just 16, Estevao made headlines with a standout showing for Brazil in the competition, announcing himself to a global audience.
Over five matches, he contributed to six goals – scoring three and assisting three – playing a pivotal role in Brazil’s journey to the quarter-finals, where they eventually lost 3-0 to rivals Argentina.
His impressive performances earned him a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Estevao’s quick feet, blistering pace, and vision in tight spaces drew widespread acclaim from fans and pundits alike.
Dazzling in the Brazilian Serie A
Estevao made his senior debut for Palmeiras on the final day of the 2023 Brasileirão season, seamlessly stepping into first-team football.
By the following season, he had cemented his place in the starting lineup, alongside Endrick (now at Real Madrid) and Luis Guilherme (now at West Ham).
In that breakout campaign, Estevao tallied 15 goals and 10 assists in 33 starts – surpassing a record held by Neymar for over 15 years.
Neymar’s original record, set in 2009 with Santos, stood at 16 goal contributions (10 goals and six assists) by a player aged 17 or younger.
In October 2024, Estevao reached and surpassed that mark by recording 18 total contributions in a single campaign (10 goals and eight assists) at just 17, breaking Neymar’s 15-year-old record.
And by the end of the season, he then went on to become the first U-18 to reach 20G/A, while also setting club-level age records for Palmeiras.
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The Messi Comparison
The nickname “Little Messi” given to Estevao isn’t without substance. The parallels run deeper than just being left-footed; effortless dribbling, close control, low centre of gravity, and ability to thread passes through tight spaces all evoke shades of the Argentine legend.
Even Estevao himself has acknowledged Lionel Messi as a major inspiration while speaking to The Guardian.
“I like Neymar a lot too, Cristiano Ronaldo. But my reference is [Lionel] Messi for everything he’s done for football.
“The way he plays and what he does off the pitch is a guy I always have to look up to. And, of course, for me being left-footed like him favours as well.
“Some people are born with talent, others have to work hard. Good examples are Messi and Ronaldo. Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort. I look for both. Talent and dedication.
“Today in football you have to dedicate yourself, you have to keep to a schedule, train, travel, take care of yourself. You have to give up a lot. Without dedication you can’t get anywhere.”
However, despite the comparisons, Estevao is determined to carve out his legacy. His refusal to embrace the nickname “Messinho” reflects a clear desire to step out of any shadow and build a name that’s entirely his own.
Estevao at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
In what marks his final tournament with Palmeiras, Estevao was named in the starting XI for the club’s Group A opener against FC Porto, held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
It was during this Club World Cup match that the footballing world witnessed the emergence of a genuine prodigy.
The 18-year-old winger delivered a scintillating performance that earned him the Superior Player of the Match award and sparked a wave of praise across social media.
While the match ended in a goalless draw, Estevao’s electrifying display ensured it was anything but forgettable, offering Chelsea fans a thrilling preview of what’s to come when he joins the Premier League side in July 2025.
Palmeiras will return to action on Thursday, June 19, facing Al Ahly in their second Group A clash.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Nicolo Campo
Recording Date: 06/15/2025