Willian Estevao named as Best Young Player and Best Attacker in Brasileirao with Palmeiras

According to reports, the Blues have agreed to a deal of 56 million euros for the teenage talent named Willian Estevao. Soon after his 18th birthday, in July 2025, he will move from Palmeiras to join the London club. Throughout the 2024–25 season, Willian has been a reliable player for the Brazilian powerhouses. He achieved 17 goals in October, surpassing Neymar's 16 during his time at Santos in 2009, breaking Neymar's record for most goals contributed by a 17-year-old in Brazil's top division.

In the 2024 season, the 17-year-old scored 13 goals and provided nine assists, making it one of the most successful breakout performances in the history of the Brazilian top division. Although they were three points behind leaders Botafogo with one game left, Palmeiras were still in the running for the title thanks to his last-minute free kick against Cruzeiro earlier this week.

Despite his youth, Estevao is already a full Brazil international, and he stated last month that he hopes to become Chelsea's most successful Brazilian player ever. The attacker has been making history in Brazil, becoming the youngest player in the age of eighteen to contribute 20 goals in a single season in the Brazilian league. With Palmeiras Willian Estevao won the 2024 Brasileirao's Best Young Player and Best Attacker awards. 

What's next for Willian Estevao?

Former Real Madrid and Barcelona player and Brazil icon Ronaldo said the 17-year-old has the potential to be a big star in the future, drawing analogies between the Palmeiras sensation and Blaugrana star Lamine Yamal, while Chelsea waits to welcome the Brazilian wonderkid. 

As per FIFA regulations, Estevao will remain under contract with Palmeiras until the end of June next year before making his alleged 57.6 million Euro move to Stamford Bridge. Since he was already admitted, he is eager to learn English as quickly as possible, the starlet is expected to spend some time at Chelsea before returning to action with Palmeiras at the beginning of 2025.