Chelsea may already have their own version of Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal, according to former Blues winger Willian. Speaking about the potential of Estevao Willian—an 18-year-old Brazilian sensation set to join Chelsea this summer—Willian believes the club is on the verge of welcoming a generational talent capable of mirroring Yamal’s meteoric rise.
Lamine Yamal, who burst onto the scene with Barcelona at just 16 years old in 2023, has since gone on to win two La Liga titles and played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. His skill, maturity, and consistency at such a young age have made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.
Now, Chelsea are hoping Estevao Willian, also known as “Messinho,” can follow a similar path. The club agreed a £49 million deal with Brazilian side Palmeiras last year, ensuring Estevao’s arrival this summer upon his 18th birthday. Expectations are sky-high, and Willian believes the hype is justified.
“Estevao reminds me a lot of Lamine Yamal,” Willian said during an interview. “They both have that rare combination of flair, fearlessness, and football intelligence. He’s someone who, if handled correctly, can achieve incredible things at Chelsea.”
Willian, who played over 300 games for the Blues and knows what it takes to thrive at Stamford Bridge, believes that Estevao’s transition to English football will be the key challenge. The Premier League’s intensity and tactical demands often require an adaptation period for players coming from South America.
“He’ll need to adjust quickly to the pace and physicality,” Willian warned. “The Premier League is a different beast, but Estevao’s talent is unquestionable. The way he reads the game and makes decisions at his age—it’s something special.”
Beyond his skills, Estevao is already showing signs of embracing Chelsea’s culture. After his move to the club was announced, he celebrated a goal for Palmeiras by imitating Cole Palmer’s now-iconic celebration—a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.
“I did it because it was trending,” Estevao later said. “Palmer saw it and we started chatting online. He called me a star, and I told him the same. We said we’d do great things together at Chelsea. That’s the kind of connection you want in a team.”
These social media exchanges may seem light-hearted, but they reflect Estevao’s ambition and confidence—traits that are crucial for young players in elite environments. The rapport he’s building with Palmer, one of Chelsea’s standout players last season, could also help his transition.
When asked about being compared to Messi, Estevao was humble but inspired. “Messi is the one I admire most—not just for what he does on the pitch, but how he carries himself off it. I also look up to Neymar and Ronaldo. Each of them brings something different to the game.”
“Messi has natural talent. Ronaldo is all about work ethic. I try to learn from both. I know talent alone isn’t enough—you have to stay disciplined, be ready to sacrifice, and keep training at the highest level every day,” he added.
That level-headedness is part of what makes Estevao such a fascinating prospect. He’s not only physically gifted but appears mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. His maturity, by all accounts, is far beyond his years.
Willian, having made the leap from Brazilian football to the Premier League himself, sees parallels in their journeys. “When I came to Chelsea, I had to adapt quickly. The club gave me the platform, but it was up to me to push myself. Estevao is in a great position to do the same.”
The timing of Estevao’s arrival also feels significant. Chelsea are in the midst of a major rebuild under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who values youth development and technical prowess. If nurtured properly, Estevao could become a cornerstone of the club’s future.
In Maresca, Estevao may have the ideal mentor. The Italian manager is known for developing young players and giving them the confidence to express themselves. His system could allow Estevao to flourish in a similar role to Yamal’s at Barcelona—providing flair, pace, and creativity on the flanks.
The comparisons with Yamal may bring pressure, but they also highlight the scale of Estevao’s potential. Yamal has already become a household name in world football, and Chelsea are hopeful that their Brazilian gem can follow a similar path.
Ultimately, Estevao’s success will depend on more than just his footwork. The Premier League demands resilience, consistency, and adaptability—qualities that Yamal has demonstrated in Spain. Chelsea fans will hope Estevao can replicate that formula in London.
With support from figures like Willian, encouragement from teammates like Cole Palmer, and guidance under Maresca, Estevao Willian could indeed become Chelsea’s answer to Lamine Yamal. For now, the excitement builds as the teenager prepares to take his first steps on English soil.
