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Rising Star: Estevao’s Meteoric Growth at Palmeiras
At just 17 years old, Estevao Willian has taken Brazilian football by storm. The Palmeiras sensation, who is set to join Chelsea in the summer of 2025, has seen his market value double over the past six months. His remarkable performances have captured global attention, making Chelsea’s early investment look like a steal.
Breaking Records: Matching Neymar’s Feats
Since making his senior debut for Palmeiras in December 2023, Estevao has showcased extraordinary talent. He recently equaled Neymar’s record of 30 goal contributions in Brazilian football before turning 18. His standout moment came with a match-winning brace against Sao Bernardo, including a stunning long-range goal that left fans in awe.
Chelsea’s Smart Investment Pays Off
The Blues secured Estevao’s signature in June 2024 for a total fee of €57 million—€34 million guaranteed plus €23 million in performance-based add-ons. Given his rapid rise in value, Chelsea’s move looks increasingly like a masterstroke.
CIES Football Observatory Confirms Estevao’s Value Surge
According to the latest data from CIES Football Observatory, Estevao’s value has skyrocketed from €30 million to €60 million in just half a year. Among players outside Europe’s top five leagues, only Porto’s Samu Aghehowa has seen a bigger increase, jumping by €39 million to a total of €68.6 million.
Biggest Value Increases (Players Outside Europe’s Top Five Leagues)
Player | Value Increase | Transfer Value |
---|---|---|
Samu Aghehowa (Porto) | €39.0m | €68.6m |
Estevao (Chelsea) | €30.2m | €60.3m |
Alvaro Carreras (Benfica) | €28.4m | €39.1m |
Tomas Araujo (Benfica) | €25.1m | €36.5m |
Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord) | €22.8m | €30.7m |
Jan-Carlo Simic (Anderlecht) | €22.4m | €28.7m |
Mika Godts (Ajax) | €21.6m | €29.7m |
Conrad Harder (Sporting CP) | €19.0m | €27.9m |
Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP) | €18.7m | €21.0m |
Roger Fernandes (Braga) | €18.6m | €31.5m |
Chelsea’s 2025 Struggles and the Need for Estevao
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea had a strong start to the 2024/25 season, at one point sitting second in the Premier League table. However, injuries, including one to lead striker Nicolas Jackson, have led to a dip in form. The Blues now find themselves battling for a top-four spot with Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
Estevao’s arrival in the summer of 2025 will be a significant boost for Chelsea. With four senior caps for Brazil already to his name, the teenager’s potential is limitless.
What Do You Think?
How big of an impact will Estevao have at Chelsea? Can he live up to the hype and make an instant difference in the Premier League? Share your thoughts in the comments below!