Abel Ferreira Lauds "Unprecedented" Talent Estevao Willian

Abel Ferreira paused briefly, resisting the urge to voice his thoughts, but then, in a rare moment of candidness regarding young talents, he shared his excitement. “This player is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen,” remarked the Palmeiras coach in a press conference following their 2-1 victory over Botafogo-SP in the Brazilian Cup. Abel Ferreira, a two-time Libertadores champion known for his reserved demeanor, was visibly impressed after witnessing 17-year-old Estevao Willian score the winning goal in the final minutes and deliver yet another stunning performance.

Such has been Estevao’s impact this season that Ferreira unsuccessfully pleaded with the club’s board not to sell him.  However, his efforts were in vain, as Chelsea secured the Palmeiras wonderkid in a deal potentially worth £52m, with his arrival at Stamford Bridge slated after the new FIFA Club World Cup in July 2025. Comparable to Brazilian talents like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, who moved to Europe at a similar age for substantial fees, Estevao’s arrival has generated unprecedented hype. In Brazil, there’s a prevailing belief that the Sao Paulo native might be a once-in-a-decade talent destined for greatness, akin to Neymar.

“Estevao is the best talent to emerge from Brazilian football since Neymar,” proclaimed Joao Paulo Sampaio, head of Palmeiras’ academy, to BBC Sport. “Watching him play is mesmerizing, and although he’s already impressive technically, like Neymar at a similar stage, he has yet to fully mature physically, indicating he could reach even greater heights.”

Despite concerns about Chelsea’s handling of young Brazilians in the past, Estevao’s camp is unwavering in their confidence. They expect him to secure first-team chances faster at Chelsea, aiming to shine before the 2026 World Cup. “I have no doubt that Estevao will thrive wherever he goes because players of his caliber simply excel,” concluded Sampaio.