Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has expressed strong belief that summer signing Estevao will grow into a central figure for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ champions.
The 18-year-old Brazilian winger, widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in South American football, joined Chelsea after the tournament in the United States, completing a transfer from Palmeiras that had been agreed in June 2024.
What makes his arrival even more intriguing is that Estevao faced his future employers during the Club World Cup quarter-final. In that game, the teenager stunned many by scoring against Rob Sanchez with a precise strike from a tight angle. Although Chelsea went on to win the contest 2-1, the moment showcased Estevao’s flair and confidence on the global stage, leaving fans eager to see more of him in the Premier League.
His performances in pre-season training and friendlies further underlined his potential, convincing Maresca to hand him a debut in Chelsea’s opening league fixture against Crystal Palace. Introduced in the 54th minute, Estevao showed glimpses of his skill and composure, even if he could not alter the outcome of a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. For Maresca, though, development is the key, and he urged patience as the youngster adapts to English football.
“Estevao was very good,” Maresca told the club’s official media. “He showed personality, both in training and in the match. There is no doubt that, step by step, he will become a very important player for this club.”
Goalkeeper Rob Sanchez, a standout performer in the Club World Cup—where he lifted the adidas Golden Glove after a commanding display in the 3-0 final win over Paris Saint-Germain—had mixed feelings about the draw with Palace. While pleased with another clean sheet, he admitted the team fell short of their ambitions on opening day.
“It’s a bit of both, happy and frustrated,” Sanchez reflected. “We created chances and played well in parts, but it came down to fine margins. We wanted a win to build momentum from our strong finish last season. It didn’t happen, so now we must keep pushing forward.”
With Estevao settling in and Maresca shaping his squad, Chelsea fans will be watching closely as a new chapter unfolds at Stamford Bridge.