Chelsea FC have officially announced the signing of Estevão Willian, one of the world’s most exciting young football talents, in a blockbuster deal with Palmeiras. The 18-year-old winger, nicknamed "Messinho" in Brazil, joins the Blues for a fixed fee of €34 million, with an additional €27 million in performance-related add-ons, taking the total value of the deal to €61 million. His contract runs until 2033.
Welcome to the World Champions, Estevao! ✨🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/XzS6yjKEo3
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2025
In his first comments as a Chelsea player, Estevão said:“It’s gratifying to represent Chelsea, one of the best teams in the world. I hope to help the team in the best way possible. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
Messinho: A wonker kid nicknamed after Messi
Such is his talent that in Brazil he's nicknamed 'Messinho', and the 18-year-old is also left-footed like Leo Messi. He boasts dribbling skills, vision, and audacity to try and break into Enzo Maresca's starting eleven.
A left-footed winger with explosive dribbling, sharp vision, and the audacity to take on defenders, Estevão is expected to challenge for a spot in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Last season, Estevão featured in 37 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 5 assists.
He also played in the Club World Cup, scoring a memorable goal against Chelsea. a curling effort into the top corner past goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
With Noni Madueke having moved to Arsenal and Cole Palmer expected to feature more centrally, Estevão’s primary competition for the right flank will be Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens.
