Estevao Explodes onto Champions League Scene, Matching Elite Company of Haaland and Mbappe with Historic Achievement
During an evening where Chelsea controlled the match and thoroughly outplayed Barcelona, 18-year-old sensation Estêvão emerged as the highlight, etching his legacy into the record books by netting his third consecutive goal in Champions League debuts.
The Brazilian wonderkid joined the exclusive company of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé as the sole teenagers in tournament history to find the net in their opening three Champions League appearances. Following two substitute appearances in Chelsea's initial matches, Estêvão has started the previous three contests and made his mark, becoming part of an elite group alongside two of today's premier footballers.
Estêvão scored against Ajax and Qarabağ before delivering a spectacular strike in Chelsea's commanding 3–0 triumph over Barcelona, truly establishing himself on Europe's grandest stage during one of the Blues' finest displays under the Clearlake Capital ownership.
Teenagers to Score in First Three Champions League Starts
Player | Age | Club |
|---|---|---|
Kylian Mbappe | 18 years, 113 days | AS Monaco |
Estêvão | 18 years, 215 days | Chelsea |
Erling Haaland | 19 years, 107 days | Salzburg |
Even more remarkable is Estêvão's streak of scoring in each of his last seven starting appearances for both club and national team. Regardless of his youth, the prodigy consistently performs whenever given the opportunity to start.
Anticipation reached fever pitch in the weeks before Estêvão's arrival at Stamford Bridge. During his initial months wearing blue, he has exceeded those expectations and now stands alongside two global superstars in this remarkable achievement.
Estevao Reacts to Historic Performance vs. Barcelona
After Chelsea's magical evening against Barcelona, Estêvão expressed his emotions following the monumental win. The Brazilian appeared visibly moved while discussing "the greatest moment of [his] career."
"I cannot find words to express this [feeling]," Estêvão told Amazon Prime Video Sport. "I'm incredibly happy about this perfect evening, the victory, and the goal. I'm thankful to God for this experience and will continue forward focusing on our upcoming goals.
"Everything happened so quickly [the goal], I got the ball, cut inward and then found the net. As I mentioned, I'm grateful to God for this moment, a truly special time in my career. And I appreciate Chelsea for everything they're providing me."
"Absolutely, since beginning my professional football journey, this represents the pinnacle of my career," the talented 18-year-old beamed. "I'm extremely joyful, as I mentioned, thankful to God and my family. It's an incredibly special experience and I hope it continues for years to come."