Chelsea's Estevao Steals the Show with Dramatic Late Winner vs Liverpool

Estevao's late winner sparks Chelsea's win over Liverpool

Chelsea's 18-year-old sensation Estevao seals a thrilling 2-1 win over Liverpool with a dramatic late goal. Estevao's stoppage-time winner sends Stamford Bridge into raptures as Chelsea beat Liverpool.

Willian Estevao's goal was his first in the Premier League, and it marked a turning point in the match...

Chelsea's young sensation, Estevao, has been named Mon Diaries's Premier League Player of the Week after his dramatic late impact in the Blues' 2-1 win over Liverpool. The 18-year-old Brazilian came off the bench with 15 minutes left to play, replacing a tired team as Liverpool pushed for a win, and sealed the victory with a stunning stoppage-time goal.

Can't stop watching. 😍#CFC | #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/DnILULv4Vr

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 6, 2025

Willian Estevao's goal was his first in the Premier League, and it marked a turning point in the match. Having entered the game with Chelsea trailing 1-1, Estevao's clever finish from Marc Cucurella's low cross sent the Stamford Bridge crowd into raptures. In his short time on the pitch, Estevao recorded 26 touches and created one big chance for his teammates, earning him an impressive 8.9 Mon Diaries rating.

Estevao made a significant impact in his short time on the pitch, recording 26 touches and creating one big chance for his teammates. His impressive performance earned him an 8.9 Mon Diaries player rating, highlighting his skill and influence on the game.

GET INNNNNNN!!!! ✊#CFC | #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/svGBQYFKSs

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 4, 2025

The Bright Future of Football: Estevao's Rise to Stardom

After his impressive performance against Liverpool on Sunday, it's clear that Estevao is one of the young players to watch out for, and the future of football is in safe hands. The 18-year-old Brazilian sensation has been making waves in the football world with his exceptional skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability.

Who is Estevao?

Estevao Willian, born on April 24, 2007, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Chelsea FC. He was signed by Chelsea from Palmeiras in June 2024 for a reported initial fee of £29 million, with potential add-ons worth £22 million, and a contract until June 2033.

Estevao flashed the flair that made Chelsea go big and sign him - dazzling dribbling, pinpoint passing, the sharp movement into scoring positions, the keen awareness of space and intelligent movement that left Porto's defense grasping at air.

With every flick and stepover, Estevao showcased not only his skill, but also an infectious joy and fearless creativity that sets him apart. This potent mix of talent and swagger is reminiscent of Brazil's greatest showmen, solidifying his place in the country's rich footballing heritage.

Cruzeiro was the first to recognize Estevao's immense potential, swooping in to scout him in Sao Paulo and bringing him to Belo Horizonte at just eight years old. To nurture his talent, they even created a new youth category in their academy. Soon after, Nike came knocking with a sponsorship deal at the age of 10. Palmeiras then snapped him up at 14, fast-tracking his development and promoting him to the first team by 16.

Chelsea was among the top European clubs closely monitoring Estevao's development. A verbal agreement was sealed in May 2024 for his transfer to West London, set to be completed in summer 2025, just shy of his 18th birthday.

The impending transfer weighed heavily on Estevao, but the biggest pressure came from his own expectations. He delivered a phenomenal 2024 season with Palmeiras, notching 13 goals and 9 assists in 31 league games, with 26 starts, all while maintaining an unflappable demeanor.

“Pressure is part of football,” he adds. “Every player has to deal with it. When I’m on the pitch, I try to just think about having fun and helping my team in the best way I can: by scoring goals and setting them up. I like to say that the football pitch is my amusement park because it’s where I feel happiest.”

Estevao's debut season was marked by unforgettable moments, showcasing his skill and personality. He playfully mimicked Cole Palmer's iconic celebration after scoring against Juventude, soon after his Chelsea transfer was announced. He also turned Bahia's Rogerio Ceni into a meme with a stunning left-footed shot that left the former Brazil goalkeeper saying, “It's impossible, there's no way to stop him.” But the highlight was his breathtaking 90th-minute free kick against Cruzeiro, securing a 2-1 win that kept Palmeiras' title hopes alive.

Estevao won over his teammates with his charm, quickly earning their respect and affection. Palmeiras' Raphael Veiga shared, “I sort of adopted him... We have a great affinity. We live near each other and he's often at my house. I'm happy for him, for his ascent.”

“What he’s experiencing now will be nothing compared to what he will achieve in the game. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. He has a good head on his shoulders. What impresses me is his mental strength in decisive moments, under pressure.”

Estevao showed mental toughness by stepping up to score a penalty against Cuiaba when Veiga wasn't on the pitch. However, a similar situation in February didn't go his way, when he had a penalty saved against Corinthians, resulting in a 1-1 draw against a 10-man side.

As he later detailed in a Players’ Tribune article published to mark his 18th birthday, after missing a penalty, Estevao was feeling down, but his mood lifted when he saw a message from his idol Neymar in his DMs. The Brazilian superstar had reached out to offer words of encouragement, which meant a lot to the young player. This wasn't the first time Estevao had looked up to Neymar - he spent hours as a kid watching Neymar's videos on YouTube, trying to mimic his skills on the pitch.

“Neymar is an idol, a reference point in Brazilian football,” he says. “I grew up watching him shine in a Brazil shirt, so I was really happy when he sent me that message. I was sad to have missed the penalty and it was incredible to get support from a superstar I have always admired. We spent some time together at the Sao Paulo state championship awards ceremony and, more recently, when he visited the national team camp.

“I dream of playing with him for Brazil one day. I hope I can make it come true.”

 

Neymar understands the path ahead for Estevao, having navigated the high-pressure transition from Brazilian football to a top European club. At 21, Neymar made the move from Santos to Barcelona in 2013, already a seasoned player equipped to make an impact at the highest level.

This experience makes Neymar's encouragement to Estevao particularly meaningful. As someone who has faced intense scrutiny and expectation, Neymar knows the challenges Estevao will face in Europe. His message likely carries weight, coming from someone who has successfully made the transition.

Despite their similarities, Neymar and Estevao have distinct personalities. Unlike some young stars, Estevao's down-to-earth nature and strong family bond are expected to keep him grounded amidst fame and wealth. Having already made the significant move to London with his parents, a church pastor, and younger sister, he'll likely rely on this solid support system to shield him from the pitfalls that often affect young Brazilian talents in Europe.

On the pitch, Estevao's playing style differs from what many expect. In Brazil, many believe he's best suited as a No. 10, and his movements during the Porto game, often drifting into central spaces, support this notion. His agent, Andre Cury, revealed that Chelsea's vision of him as a central attacking midfielder, rather than a right winger, was a key factor in his decision to join the Blues - raising questions about how he'll fit in alongside Cole Palmer.

Estevao takes a pragmatic view of his role, prioritizing playing time over position. “For me, the most important thing is playing” he says. “The position doesn't matter. I can play inside, as a No 10, or on the wing. The collective is the most important thing. I'm always available to the coach, ready to help in whatever way I can.”

He was primarily referring there to Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira, not Enzo Maresca.

Estevao's first Brazil start in September 6, 2024, in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador was a memorable one, marked by warm interactions with future Chelsea teammates Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, and Kendry Paez. He then participated in the Club World Cup, where he faced off against Inter Miami and scored a stunning goal against Chelsea in the knockout stage, a fitting end to his Palmeiras career.

Estevao made his Brazil debut last summerMauro

Lionel Messi is another idol of Estevao's, particularly for his exceptional left-footed dribbling skills. Although he's shed the “Messinho” nickname from his Cruzeiro academy days, his admiration for Messi remains. “He's a player I have always looked up to,” Estevao says. “When I was a kid, I would watch videos of him, then go out to the pitch and try to copy what I had seen.”

Estevao's Stunning Goal Against Chelsea

Estevao Willian scored a stunning goal against Chelsea while playing for Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal match. The match took place on July 4, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Estevao's goal came in the 53rd minute, where he received the ball in the box, took a clever touch to evade Levi Colwill, and then rifled the ball into the net from a tight angle, catching Robert Sanchez off guard.

Estevao's FIFA Superior Player of the Match award, voted by fans, in Palmeiras' 0-0 draw against Porto in the Club World Cup opener. He also picked up the Man of the Match award in Palmeiras' 2-0 win over Al Ahly, capped off the excitement surrounding his standout performance at the Club World Cup in the USA.

Estevao's Performance:

• Estevao played a crucial role in the match, causing problems for Chelsea's defense with his direct running and skill.

• He was praised by Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, who described him as a “huge talent” and a “fantastic player.”

• Maresca also mentioned that Estevao would be an important player for Chelsea, but needs to adapt to the team's style.

Estevao's Career Highlights

Palmeiras Youth Academy: Estevao quickly established himself as a key player, winning several titles, including the Paulista Sub-15 and Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17.

Brazilian Youth National Teams: He represented Brazil in the U-17 category, participating in the Copa do Mundo Sub-17 and scoring three goals in five appearances.

Brazil National Team: Estevao debuted for the senior Brazil team on September 7, 2024, at age 17 years and 4 months, coming on as a substitute in the 62nd minute for Luiz Henrique, he became the fifth-youngest player to represent Brazil's senior national team, playing 50 minutes across four World Cup Qualifier matches. He scored his first international goal on September 4, 2025, in a 3-0 win against Chile.

Chelsea Signing: Estevao signed with Chelsea in June 2024 and was expected to join the team in July 2025, after completing his 18th birthday.

Estevao's Chelsea Debut and Performance 

Estevao made his Chelsea debut on August 17, 2025, in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, coming on as a substitute for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. He then made his Premier League start on August 22, 2025, in a 5-1 win against West Ham United, providing an assist for Enzo Fernandez.

As for his Champions League debut, Estevao played his first match on September 17, 2025, at the age of 18, featuring in Chelsea's Champions League campaign. He has also made appearances in the Carabao Cup, making his debut in the competition on September 23, 2025.

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Awards and Recognition

Kopa Trophy: Estevao finished 4th in the 2025 Kopa Trophy award, which recognizes the world's best young football player under the age of 21.

Breakthrough Player and Best Striker: He was named Breakthrough Player and Best Striker in the Brazilian Série A in 2024, scoring 13 goals and assisting 9 times in 31 games.

What to Expect from Estevao

With his exceptional dribbling skills, pace, and creativity on the field, Estevao is expected to make a significant impact at Chelsea. He has been praised by coach Enzo Maresca, who compared him to Cole Palmer, another talented young player at Chelsea.

As Estevao embarks on this new chapter in his career, football fans around the world will be eagerly watching his progress. With his talent, dedication, and passion for the sport, he has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in football.

Next Challenge

After his impressive showing, Estevao will join Brazil's national team on international duty. Chelsea's next match is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, October 18th. The Blues will be looking to continue their winning form with Estevao. His match-winning performance against Liverpool has certainly raised expectations, and fans will be eager to see more of what he can do.