Estevao Willian is the latest youngster to gain some media momentum, thanks to his incredible performances in his native Brazil. The country has been the biggest export hub for the world’s brightest young players. From Neymar Jr. to Vinicius Jr., the country has always given Europe its best talents, and if everything goes according to plan, Estevao Willian may join that exclusive list very soon.
Estevao Willian is gaining some momentum in the media, which means he’s been linked to several European clubs who can’t wait to get their hands on another Brazilian gem since missing out on Endrick, who has since signed for Real Madrid. Which clubs are interested in the 16-year-old youngster, and where is he most likely to end up when he eventually leaves Brazil?
Who is Estevao Willian?
Brazil has always been a hotspot for the brightest talents in the world. When you think of the country, you think of Neymar, Kaka, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Vinicius Jr., and Endrick, the latest Brazilian youngster to switch to Europe after signing for Real Madrid. Another Brazilian, Estevao Willian, is the latest name making the rounds, with many not knowing who he really is.
Born in 2007 in Franca, Brazil, Willian started playing soccer in Cruzeiro in 2017 as a 10-year-old, joining the club’s academy. A year later, he signed a professional contract with Nike, making him the youngest Brazilian soccer star to sign with the giant American company, beating Real Madrid’s Rodrygo’s record. This put him in the public eye for the first time in his career, with Nike seeing his potential and deciding to bet on it.
After signing a trainee contract, the left-foot winger joined the Palmeiras youth team in 2021. His professional debut for the club came in December 2023, when he came off the bench to help the Brazilian club seal the Serie A title after drawing 1-1 to his old club Cruzeiro.
Thanks to his debut, Estevao Willian became the fourth-youngest player for the club at just 16 years and eight months.
Estevao Willian set for European move?
Estevao Willian made his professional debut just four months ago and is already garnering international attention. The winger, who used to go by the nickname “Messinho,” dedicates most of his game to Lionel Messi. Both left-footed wonders, Willian is very similar to the Argentine magician in several ways, and he could join his idol by becoming the latest young player to join Barcelona.
Despite being 16, Estevao Willian has a release clause of around ÂŁ51 million, making him one of the most expensive youngsters in the sport. Real Madrid paid a hefty sum to secure Endrick’s transfer from Brazil last year. Barcelona could learn from their mistake of missing out on the talented youngster by making the first move to sign Estevao Willian before other clubs swoop in.
Chelsea are also reportedly in the race to land the talented youngster, but with a dressing room filled with tens of youngsters with unfulfilled potentials, it’s highly unlikely that the Blues will take such a risk. Remember that Pochettino sanctioned a $50 million move for Romeo Lavia from Southampton last summer, but the former City youngster has been struggling with fitness since joining Chelsea.
