Chelsea Starlet Estevao Creates History After Breaking Neymar’s Record

The next big thing in Brazilian football has shattered another record. Yesterday, Estevao Willian broke Neymar’s decade-long record of most goal contributions by an under-17 player in Brazil’s top-flight.

The 17-year-old winger scored in the 22nd minute during Palmeiras’ Brasileirao match against Juventude, taking his goal contribution tally to 18 for the season. This means that he has now broken Neymar’s record for most goal contributions for an under-17 player. Before Estevao broke his record, Neymar scored 10 goals and provided six assists while playing for Santos during the 2008/09 season. Following his exploits in Brazil, Neymar went on to have a stellar career in European football –as we all know. Therefore, many expect Estevao Willian to follow in the footsteps of Neymar.  

But while Neymar moved to sunny Barcelona to join forces with Lionel Messi, Estevao has chosen a different path. The 17-year-old has decided to join English giants Chelsea. The Blues already have a deal in place for Estevao to move to Stamford Bridge next summer. Chelsea had to fend off some of the biggest names in world football—Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United—to land the highly coveted signature of wonderkid Estevao. So far, it’s been a masterstroke. Keeping him at Palmeiras for an extra season has proven to be a smart move for both the club and the player, as the 17-year-old has been nothing short of sensational in Brazil. At his age, his abilities are already outgrowing the Brasileirao, and a switch to Stamford Bridge next summer feels like it’s coming at the perfect time. 

But here's where it gets interesting—Chelsea’s squad is bursting with attacking talent, especially on the wings. Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Joao Felix are all fighting tooth and nail for a starting spot, so Estevao will have a real battle on his hands when he arrives. A loan move to a less competitive league might give him some breathing room, but with the kind of star power he’s packing, it wouldn’t be shocking if he immediately stakes his claim at Chelsea. 

Estevao has that “Neymar” aura about him—a natural flair, an undeniable spark. Whether he’s loaned out or stays to challenge for a spot, don’t be surprised if the 17-year-old becomes Chelsea’s breakout star of the 2025/26 season. Fans are already buzzing at the prospect of seeing him in the Premier League, and with good reason. Chelsea have landed themselves one of the hottest prospects in world football, and his future in blue looks incredibly exciting.