Few nations can match Brazil’s five-time world champion status when it comes to producing world-class footballers. The Selecao has given us the best forwards, not only in terms of pure stats but also those whose skill and flair have dazzled fans of the game from around the world.
Last year the players that emerged included Real Madrid-bound Endrick Felipe, Athletico Paranaense’s prodigy forward Vitor Roque, and Santos teenage sensation Angelo Gabriel among others.
The trend has continued in the new year with Palmeiras’ Estevao Willian, who is the talk of the town despite not making a single first-team appearance in his career. In his short career, Willina has created many records, including becoming the youngest Brazilian to sign a professional deal with sports giant Nike.
And with the hype surrounding this youngster from Franca municipality in Sao Paulo state. So, who is Estevao Willian, and how good is he?
Who is Estevao Willian?
Estevao Willian Almeida de Oliveira Goncalves, better known as Estevao, was born in Franca, Sao Paulo and started his footballing career with the Brazilian top-flight club Cruzeiro. Willian was among the most talented youngsters at the club’s youth academy and hence began to earn fame in the footballing circles.
An ardent fan of Lionel Messi, Estevao nicknamed himself Messinho’ due to the similar playing style. Willian also expressed his desire to play for FC Barcelona just like his idol. Estevao’s first moment of fame came in 2018 when aged just 10, he signed a professional contract with Nike.
During his first year at the club, Estevao made massive progress and would regularly play against players three to four years senior. Willian would play for the Cruzeiro’s youth academy for four years before signing a trainee contract with Palmeiras in 2021.
Palmeiras gem Estevão has signed long term deal valid until June 2026. ⭐️🇧🇷
There’s release clause worth €60m into his contract.
PSG offered €58m for Endrick & €35m for Estevão in November — Palmeiras rejected.
Born in 2007, Estevão nickname in Brazil is… Messinho. pic.twitter.com/Qd3RPVtL9z
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 24, 2023
Estevao Willian stats
After signing for Palmerias, Willina was sent to the under-15s, where he would help them win the Campeonato Paulista Sub-15. This earned him a promotion to the under-17s in the same season where he would win the same trophy justifying the hype surrounding him.
In the current season, he has continued his association with the under-17 teams and has helped them win the Copa do Brasil Sub-17 and the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17. In the 26 matches he has played for the under-17, he has managed to score 21 goals and provide eight assists.
In addition, he has also played seven games in the Copinha, scoring one goal.
Estevao Willian’s playing style and potential
Estevao, like so many of his peers in the attack, is blessed with brilliant dribbling skills, quick feet, and pace. In short, he is the perfect player for the ‘Joga Bonito’ style of football, which requires players who have flair and are creative geniuses.
Willian loves dribbling and prefers to use his dribbling skills over passing to move the ball forward. The teenager is also adept at using his runs with the ball to stretch the opposition’s defence on the right wing before cutting back inside to bring the ball onto his left foot and unleashing a shot towards the goal.
However, one area where he must improve immediately is his passing or, rather, passing at the perfect time for his teammates. More often than not, Estevao attempts to take the ball all by himself towards the goal and either get tackled or dispossessed, which snuffs out the team’s attack.
Estevao Willian transfer news
Palmeiras knew they had a special player on their hands who top clubs across the Atlantic would love to sign. So, the club moved quickly and signed him to a new contract that keeps him at the club till 2026. In addition, Palmeiras have also inserted a release clause of €60 million in the new deal, which means that they can keep hold of the player unless a club can shell out the money to trigger the clause.
However, the price tag hasn’t deterred clubs, as Paris Saint Germain are looking to get a deal over for the talented Brazilian. Other clubs touted to be interested are Arsenal and Barcelona. If the deal goes through, it will be one of the biggest sims ever paid for a player with such little experience in competitive football. Estevao, though, possesses the talent to overcome all these barriers and become the next star for his clubs and Selecao.