The Rise of a Prodigy
At just 17 years old, Estêvão Willian has already captured the attention of football fans and experts across Brazil and beyond. This young attacking midfielder from São Paulo has been tipped as the next big thing in Brazilian football, with his exceptional technical abilities, vision, and maturity on the pitch defying his tender age.
Willian’s journey to stardom began at a young age, when he was first identified as a promising talent while playing for his local club in the São Paulo countryside. Scouted by Cruzeiro, one of Brazil’s most prestigious youth academies, the then-9-year-old Willian and his family uprooted their lives to move to Belo Horizonte, where he could pursue his footballing dreams.
“He was so phenomenal,” recalled Antonio Augusto de Araujo, the coach who first brought Willian into Cruzeiro’s under-15 squad. “He was outside of what’s normal for his age. He was way above the average. He was always innovative, sharp, incisive, dribbling with ease — very similar to the way Messi played.”
The comparisons to Lionel Messi were inevitable, with Willian’s mesmerizing dribbling and ability to unlock defences earning him the nickname “Messinho” — or “Little Messi” — among his teammates. While the youngster himself has since distanced himself from the comparison, it serves as a testament to the exceptional talent he displayed from a very young age.
Breakthrough at Palmeiras
After spending several formative years in Cruzeiro’s youth setup, Willian made the bold move to join Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s most successful and well-known clubs, at the age of 14. It was a decision that would prove pivotal in his development, as he quickly established himself as a key player in Palmeiras’ star-studded youth teams.
Under the tutelage of Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, Willian’s technical prowess and tactical understanding continued to blossom. Ferreira, a renowned tactician, was full of praise for the youngster, describing him as “different from anything I’ve ever seen in football” and begging the club to keep him until 2027.
“He knows how to attack, defend, take the game on, dribble. He’s focused, he has a good family, everyone cares for him at the club and the older players talk to him a lot.”
Willian’s performances at the youth level soon caught the attention of the first team, and in 2022, he made his professional debut for Palmeiras at the tender age of 16. Despite his youth, he quickly became a regular fixture in the starting lineup, impressing in both the Brasileirão and the prestigious Copa Libertadores.
Catching the Eye of Europe’s Elite
Willian’s rapid rise did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before the top clubs in Europe began to take notice. Chelsea, in particular, have been tracking the young Brazilian for several years, and they have now secured his signature in a deal worth a reported €34 million, with a further €23 million in potential add-ons.
The Blues have high hopes for Willian, with the club’s hierarchy believing he has the potential to become a “world-class” player. They plan to integrate him into the first-team squad upon his arrival, with the expectation that he will excel in the Premier League and become a key figure at Stamford Bridge.
“You can see he has been the exception to this rule,” said Camila Alves, a journalist covering Palmeiras for Globo Esporte. “I think this showed his confidence. He always repeats attempts. He may try the first time and get it wrong. But if he gets it wrong the first time, he will try again. You will see him many times in the same game trying to take risks, trying to go through, trying to shoot, so you can see he doesn’t give up easily. It shows his confidence.”
Willian’s move to Chelsea may be a big step up, but his supporters are confident that he has the focus, self-belief, and maturity to succeed at the highest level. The young midfielder has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and his unwavering commitment to improving his game suggests that he is more than ready for the challenge that awaits him in London.
Tactical Versatility and Footballing Intelligence
One of the standout aspects of Willian’s game is his tactical versatility and footballing intelligence. While he has primarily featured as a right-sided attacking midfielder or winger for Palmeiras and Brazil’s youth teams, he has shown the ability to adapt to different positions and roles within the team.
“Estêvão’s attributes are different to Endrick,” said Alves, drawing a comparison to another highly-rated Palmeiras youngster. “You did not notice Estêvão in such an obvious way. You would only start to notice his difference when the ball started rolling. In that transitional phase through the academy, he turned into a big player because he dominated everything on the pitch.”
Willian’s vision, passing range, and dribbling skills allow him to excel in a variety of attacking positions, from the traditional No. 10 role to a more advanced wide role. His tactical awareness and work rate also make him a valuable asset in defensive phases, with the ability to press, track back, and contribute to the team’s overall defensive structure.
This versatility and adaptability will be a valuable asset as Willian transitions to the Premier League, where he will be expected to navigate the demands of a more physical and tactically diverse league.
Embracing the Pressure
Despite the immense hype and expectations surrounding him, Willian has demonstrated a level of maturity and composure that belies his young age. He has not been fazed by the pressure of playing for one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, nor by the comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players.
“Estêvão was the same in his expression. He did not change, his face stayed the same, nothing changed for him and his father,” recalled Antonio Augusto, Willian’s former coach at Cruzeiro. “I remember his humility.”
This poise and self-assurance have been nurtured by Willian’s strong family support system, with his father, a church pastor, playing a pivotal role in his development. The Willian family has consistently prioritized the young midfielder’s well-being and personal growth, ensuring that he remains grounded and focused on his football journey.
“His father took care of him and knew what he had to deal with. (He) is the one who took the lead more, telling Estêvão off more, managing it all more.”
As Willian prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career at Chelsea, his ability to handle the spotlight and embrace the challenges that come with being a highly-touted prospect will be crucial to his success. With the right guidance and support, he has all the tools to become one of the standout players in world football.
The Future Beckons
The move to Chelsea represents a significant milestone in Willian’s burgeoning career, but it is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey. The young midfielder will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the game, and to test himself against the world’s top talent in the Premier League.
“I think everything will be down to the process of adaptation,” said Alves. “In this moment, many think — especially those who work alongside him — that he is someone we will see a lot more of. There is a great expectation that it will all work out.”
As Willian takes his first steps in European football, the eyes of the Brazilian football community and beyond will be fixed firmly on him. The pressure to perform will be immense, but if his track record is any indication, he has the mentality and ability to thrive under the spotlight.
Whether Willian will follow in the footsteps of other Brazilian superstars who have made their mark in the Premier League or forge his own unique path remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this young prodigy is destined for greatness, and the world of football will be watching his every move with bated breath.
