Soccer
Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer are excited to welcome Estevao to Chelsea.
Estevao scored a superb goal against his soon-to-be club on Friday, but Chelsea saw off Palmeiras 2-1 at the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian wonderkid will now link up with Chelsea after the Blues’ Club World Cup campaign is concluded – Maresca’s team will take on Fluminense in the semi-finals.
Estevao’s goal made him the second-youngest player to score at this edition of the Club World Cup, and Maresca knows Chelsea have a huge talent on their hands.
“I’m happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night,” the Italian said.
“He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world, you need to adapt.
“We are going to help him to adapt. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea.”
18-71 – At 18 years, 71 days old, @Palmeiras‘ Estêvão is the second-youngest goal scorer at this year’s @FIFACWC (FC Porto’s Rodrigo Mora – 18 years, 49 days vs. Al Ahly). Introduction. pic.twitter.com/CBXRnw6pQJ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 5, 2025
Palmer, who scored Chelsea’s opener, spoke to Estevao after the final whistle.
“You can see he is a top player, so it is very exciting,” Palmer said of Estevao, who had eight touches in Chelsea’s box, the most of any Palmeiras player.
“I just said to him we are excited for him to join – but he didn’t understand a single word I said!”
Estevao is sad to be leaving Palmeiras, but is thrilled to get a chance to star in the Premier League.
“Palmeiras opened the door for me. I was deeply happy in Palmeiras and my family knows how happy I was,” he said.
“I’m very happy I could score a goal to help my club. Unfortunately this wasn’t the result we wanted but we gave our best and now I am moving on.”
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