Ronaldo Nazario has compared Chelsea teenager Estêvão Willian to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Estêvão has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in world football at Palmeiras and will join Chelsea in July 2025, following his 18th birthday. Chelsea agreed a deal that could reach €57m including add-ons for a player whose reputation is fast-growing in Brazil.
The 17-year-old has scored 13 goals in 30 league appearances for Palmeiras in 2024, equalling Careca’s record for the most prolific Brasilerâo campaign from an u-18 players. His 13 goals also eclipsed the total Ronaldo set when representing Cruzeiro in 1993.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner has now given his verdict on Brazil’s next great hope and has compared Estêvão to Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. The latter was named winner of the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy in 2024 after helping Spain to success at Euro 2024.
“Estêvão is kind of like Lamine Yamal,” the former Real Madrid and Brazil forward told GiveMeSport.
“He will soon be a very big star in football. He’s very promising, and at just 17. I think he’ll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea.”
Estêvão was handed his senior Brazil debut in September and has since won four caps for the five-time world champions.
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