Chelsea's Brazilian Sensation Makes Explosive Debut at Cobham Training Ground

Following a 12-month waiting period, Brazilian prodigy Estêvão Willian, aged 18, has arrived in London to commence his European journey with Chelsea.

The Blues secured Estêvão's signature from Palmeiras in June 2024, though he was required to wait until reaching the appropriate age before officially joining the squad. Now, as Chelsea reconvenes for preseason preparations following their 2025 Club World Cup victory, Estêvão has formally become part of Enzo Maresca's team.

"I feel incredibly pleased," Estêvão expressed during his inaugural interview as a Chelsea player. "It's extremely fulfilling to wear the Chelsea shirt, representing one of football's most prestigious clubs. I'm delighted and eager to contribute to the team's success in every way I can."

The London club invested approximately £29 million ($37 million at that time) plus performance-related bonuses to acquire the Brazilian youngster last summer. Estêvão is a gifted and adaptable wide player who contributed significantly to Palmeiras's achievements throughout the previous year, eventually earning regular call-ups to Brazil's senior international squad. He's considered among the most exciting young talents in global football.

From his professional bow in November 2023, Estêvão featured in 83 matches for Palmeiras, netting 27 times while providing 15 assists. Ironically, his farewell appearance for El Verdão came against Chelsea, where he demonstrated his quality with an outstanding strike despite his team's defeat in the Club World Cup quarter-final.

"I waited nearly eighteen months before arriving here. However, those eighteen months were spent working diligently and giving everything to ensure I'd arrive in optimal condition," Estêvão commented.

Estêvão represents Chelsea's newest offensive addition this summer, with the club reportedly pursuing additional signings before the transfer window concludes.

Chelsea will welcome Bayer Leverkusen on August 8, followed by AC Milan on August 10, providing the Brazilian with opportunities to make his Stamford Bridge bow ahead of Chelsea's 2025–26 Premier League opener at home against Crystal Palace on August 17.