Estêvão Willian joined Cruzeiro’s youth academy at 10 years old, where he earned the nickname “Messinho.” At the same age, he became one of youngest athletes to ever sign a contract with Nike, with previous records held by Neymar and Rodrygo.

In 2021, he moved to Palmeiras, playing for their under-15s and under-17s teams until 2023. On his 16th birthday, the well-renowned club was quick to lock him in and signed his first professional contract in April 2023, where he made his debut in their first team later that year. 

Showing his impressive playmaking skills and refined control of the ball, Willian has gathered attention from most European clubs that were eager to sign him. He is now set to move to Chelsea FC this summer as soon as he turns 18.

Estêvão Willian’s Impressive Skills

At Cruzeiro’s youth team, he earned the nickname ‘Messinho’—Little Messi—by showing his unique skills on the field. When he then moved to Palmeiras’ youth team, his first seasons were filled with trophies: he helped the team win the under-15s and under-17s Campeonato Paulista, the under-17s Brazil Cup, and the under-17s Brazilian Championship Série A, gathering attention from everyone in the country.

In December 2023, he then became the third-youngest footballer to play in Palmeiras’ first team, behind only Endrick and Rodrigo Taddei. His first match resulted in a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro and won the Brazilian Série A title.

In November 2024, he became the first player under 18 to ever record 20 goals and assists in one season in the Série A, specifically recording 12 goals and eight assists in the 2024-25 season. The record was previously held by Neymar, who had reached 16 goal contributions as a 17-year-old in the league.

Today, the Brazilian national team released selected players for the FIFA knockout matches happening in March. Willian was called up as one of their six forwards, alongside Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Savinho (Manchester City), João Pedro (Brighton), and Rodrygo (Real Madrid).

Could he be the ‘next Neymar’?

His impressive skills have gathered attention from the Brazilian media and fans, as well as European clubs. As he earned comparisons to Messi for his playing style, many stipulate that he could be the next biggest Brazilian star, following Neymar.

In 2024, he also ranked as the third top scorer of the Brazilian Série A with 13 goals throughout the season, sitting behind only Yuri Alberto from Corinthians and Alerrando from Vitoria. At just 17, he won awards for Best Striker and Best Breakthrough Player for his 2024 campaign in the Brazilian Série A.

So far in 2025, he has scored five goals in only 11 matches played. Media worldwide showed amusement as he scored two goals in a 3-0 victory over Sao Bernardo, surpassing another record previously held by Neymar and becoming the first ever Brazilian player under 18 to score 30 goals. 

As the summer approaches, Chelsea FC is eager to receive the Brazilian forward who they signed for €61.5 million in one of the most expensive transfers in the country’s football history.