Chelsea’s future star Estevão Willian is called a ‘genius’ by Neymar, seen in tears before making history in Brazil

Chelsea had the opportunity to get to know future star Estevão Willian once again after he made history for Brazil.

The 17-year-old midfielder is set to make the move to Stamford Bridge soon – and Blues fans will be delighted with his promise.

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In early summer, Chelsea reached an agreement with its club Palmeiras which will be worth around £56 million.

The young man will remain in Brazil for this season before completing their move to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 season.

But the midfielder went on to prove exactly why he caught the eye in the first place, as he pulled off a magnificent feat on the international stage that put him in the record books.

Brazil secured a 1-0 win in their World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, with the teenager starting the match on the bench.

After receiving his first call-up to the senior squad a few weeks ago, the game signalled his first opportunity to earn that all-important first international call-up.

And before the game ended, Estevão was called.

It was a big moment for him and the youngster was seen holding his shirt to his face, clearly overcome with emotion just before he took to the pitch.

And given the scale of his achievement, it’s no surprise how much it meant to him.

At 17 years and 142 days, he became the second youngest player in history to debut for the Brazilian national team since 2000.

Just Endrick – who made his debut aged 17 years and 118 days – was even younger when he earned his first international call-up since then.

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Estevão took to Instagram after the game to try to sum up how much that moment meant to him.

“There are no explanations, it is only God, all honor and glory be given to God,” wrote Stephen.

“A day marked for the rest of my life, very happy to debut with the heaviest shirt in the world, sole agent of God and my family.”

Estevão was pointed out by many as someone who would do exceptional things.

And there’s one name in particular that he’ll no doubt be delighted to have behind him.

In June, he received praise from none other than the Brazilian icon Neymar.

“He is a great talent emerging in Brazilian football today,” he said. “I think he is going to be a genius.”

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As for his role at Chelsea, Estevão’s agent recently offered some insight into what prompted the Blues to pursue the 17-year-old.

“He can adapt to any style of play,” said Estevão representative André Cury UOL in Brazil.

“Chelsea is a club that sees Estevão playing as a number ten, for us that is important. He can develop even more by playing in the middle.”