Neymar has been gushing about the enormous potential of Estevao Willian, the new Chelsea signing, saying the player will prove to be a “genius” in the game.
Estevao has long been tipped for future stardom and made his first-team debut against Cruzeiro back in December at the age of just 16.
His performances soon attracted the attention of Europe’s top clubs, and Chelsea announced last week that they had agreed to a deal for the winger, who is currently 17 years old, to join them in the summer of 2025.
Estevao called the dream a “dream come true,” and the forward scored in Palmeiras’ 3-1 victory against Juventude over the weekend to round up a hectic few days.
The highly regarded youth has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest Brazilian players of all time, such as Neymar, who now holds the record for most goals scored in Brazil history with 79.
When Neymar was questioned about Estevao by ESPN during an event at the Hollywood Paladium, it was evident that the Al Hilal forward had great expectations for his fellow countryman.
The renowned Brazilian football player remarked, “He is a great talent that is emerging today in Brazilian football.”
“I anticipate that he will be a genius.”
Despite the fact that Neymar will not participate in Brazil’s Copa America campaign due to a catastrophic knee injury he sustained in December, the former Barcelona and PSG player thinks Rodrygo can fill in for him.
“The main man for Brazil?” I believe it’s Rodrygo because Vini will play to the best of his abilities, but Rodrygo is completely different, in my opinion,” he continued.
“He is a star, and wearing the No. 10 shirt will undoubtedly bring him good fortune.”
Branco, the Brazilian World Cup champion, said earlier this month that Estevao was the nation’s greatest talent since Neymar.
“We haven’t had these kids there in a long time, and Brazil has a phenomenal generation,” Branco said to Canal WAMO.
“Brazil will come roaring back in 2026, bringing power, speed, and quality with them.”
“Estevao is the best Brazilian-born player I’ve ever seen, with all due respect to the others. This is something serious, something I’ve never said before, but I’m going to say now.”
I think this because you’ve seen him up close and you know. They’re all amazing here in Brazil, but this youngster has a somewhat higher ceiling.