Estêvão Willian has emerged as one of the most talked-about young talents in world football. Just weeks into his Premier League career, the 18-year-old winger has not only made waves with his on-field performances but has also revealed how quickly he’s adapting to life at Chelsea.
Joining Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after a transfer agreed upon the previous year, Estêvão arrived from Palmeiras with a reputation for flair and dedication. The London club reportedly paid an initial £29 million, with add-ons based on performance, for the highly-rated youngster.
His final act for Palmeiras showcased his class and emotion. In the Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Chelsea, Estêvão scored an exquisite equalizer before his side were eliminated in a heartbreaking finish.
At the post-match press conference, the teenager paid a heartfelt tribute to Palmeiras and its manager Abel Ferreira, calling him a “father figure” and expressing deep gratitude for the role the club played in his development.
Since embarking on his Premier League adventure, Estêvão’s rise has been meteoric. He made his debut as a substitute in the season’s opening fixture and shortly thereafter delivered an assist in a 5–1 win—becoming the youngest Chelsea player to contribute an assist in the competition.
His performances didn’t end there: he earned a starting role in the victory over Fulham, further cementing his position in the squad.
Perhaps most remarkable has been his adaptation off the ball. Initially honest about doubt, Estêvão admitted, “I thought it would take a little longer to adapt, because of the climate and the language. But, thank God, it’s happening very quickly.” His swift acclimatization is credited to the trust shown by manager Enzo Maresca and the welcoming environment created by teammates and staff.
His words paint a picture of genuine enthusiasm: “It’s happening very quickly, and I’m already getting a lot of opportunities there, more than I even expected at Chelsea. I thought it would take a little longer to adapt, because of the climate and the language. But, thank God, it’s happening very quickly… It’s been really, really, really good, I’m loving it.”
Another key to his success off the pitch has been his preparation. Long before confirming his move to England, Estêvão told his parents he wanted to learn English. Over the past year, he undertook daily lessons around his training schedule to ease his transition.
His resilience and mindset have also been central to his speedy adaptation. He shared: “Mistakes don’t get to me. I trust in what I believe, and I’ll keep trying until it comes off.”
Driven by his father’s advice—“Never stop being yourself”—he embraces instinct and speed, responding to setbacks with swift recovery and self-belief.
Even at Stamford Bridge, his presence is already felt off the pitch. Fans have created a chant in his honor, a testament to how quickly he’s won over the Chelsea faithful. Estêvão himself admitted, somewhat surprised, “No—I only heard ‘Estevao’—the little song. But the affection I see … is incredible. Since I arrived, I’ve felt at home.”
Yet, adaptation hasn’t just been emotional; it’s also tactical. The physical nature of the Premier League can be daunting, but Estêvão has approached it with intelligence. He explained that he “tries to avoid contact a lot” and doesn’t yet feel the pressing need to bulk up, preferring to rely on his agility and build on his speed incrementally.
Behind the scenes, teammates have played roles too. Brazilian compatriots João Pedro and Andrey Santos have helped Estêvão settle—both on and off the pitch. Pedro revealed how he repeatedly pushes Estêvão: guiding him through training and even encouraging him to ask for breakfast in English.
Born in Franca, São Paulo in April 2007, Estêvão rose through youth ranks beginning at Cruzeiro before moving to Palmeiras. At age 17, he secured a Nike sponsorship—the youngest Brazilian ever to do so.
He featured prominently for Palmeiras, amassing 27 goals in 83 senior appearances, and made notable impact with Brazil’s national team, scoring his first senior goal—a bicycle kick—against Chile in early September.