The FIFA Club World Cup set to be the stage for Brazil's new superstar Estevao Willian to shine

Among the names set to star in the excitingly revamped competition are household superstars such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi – just to name a few. 

Yet, the summer extravaganza has the potential to be the coming-out party for one of football’s next big names. Step forward, Estevao Willian. 

Not a season goes by without the proclamation of yet another new Brazilian name set to follow in the footsteps of the Selecao greats, but with this talented forward, he already looks like he has what it takes to fulfil his early promise. 

At just 18 years old, Estevao is the talk of Brazil and the star of his current side, Palmeiras, where he’s already helped the Brazilian side to a Serie A league title in 2023 – aged just 16 – and won a string of individual awards singling him out as the best player in the league in 2024. 

His accolades, of course, haven’t gone unnoticed. So much so that Estavao’s passage to Europe has already been secured, having agreed a deal with Chelsea last year that will see him move to the Premier League this summer – but not before his Palmeiras swansong at the Club World Cup. 

Earlier this year, his agent confirmed that the competition would be his farewell for the club, and he's excited to compete in the States this month. 

“It’s a great feeling to be playing in a tournament like this,” Estevao told DAZN. 

“To know Palmeiras is amongst the best clubs in the world. It’s great, not only for me but for everyone playing. 

“Expectations will be high and the tournament will also be a great learning experience since we’ll be facing not just South American clubs but European ones. 

“So, I think the key is to enjoy it as much as possible” 

Enjoy is the crucial word, but like any great Brazilian footballer, a quick YouTube dive on Estevao will show not only a highlight reel of worldies, particularly his long-range effort against Cerro Porteno last month, but also the fun that he has on a football pitch. 

Already comparisons have been made to names of the highest order, likening the teenager to Neymar, Pele and even Lionel Messi, who he’ll come up against during the Group Stages at the Club World Cup. 

Palmeiras’ other group opponents include Porto and Al Ahly, but it’s the match-up against Inter Miami and Messi that he’s looking forward to most. 

“I’ll be playing against one of the greatest players in history,” he says with a grin that Chelsea fans hope will be a regular sight at Stamford Bridge next season. 

“Being on the pitch with him will be an incredible and unforgettable experience for me.” 

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He will be the latest prodigy to try and claim Messi’s crown, but there’s already more credence in the excitement over Estevao and the national team certainly thinks so, having already made him a full international last year. 

So far, he has four caps to his name and was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s first squad for the internationals that took place just before events in the USA. 

Now all that’s left is recognition on a mainstream scale. Brazil may already be proclaiming him the country’s new Samba star – with Endrick already old news – and Chelsea fans would have had him on their radar since the confirmation of his arrival, but this summer’s tournament presents a stage for Estevao to announce his arrival on. 

With Palmeiras placed in an evenly matched group, it could see the Brazilians move deeper into the competition with Estevao at the centre of it. And, who knows? It could see the Verdao, spring a surprise in the States. 

“There’s no doubt the goal is to win and that goes for the team, not just for me,” he stated. 

“We need to focus on what we can control and god willing everything will work out.” 

For Estevao, though, everything is already working out just as his early potential has suggested. 

Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.