Neymar has praised the immense potential of Chelsea’s new signing, Estevao Willian, predicting that the young talent will prove to be a “genius” in the sport.
Estevao, who has long been considered a future star, became Palmeiras’ fourth youngest player ever when he debuted for the first team at just 16 against Cruzeiro last December.
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Estevao’s performances quickly attracted the interest of Europe’s top clubs, and last week Chelsea announced they had secured a deal for the now 17-year-old winger to join them in the summer of 2025.
Calling the move a “dream come true,” Estevao capped off an eventful few days by scoring in Palmeiras’ 3-1 win over Juventude at the weekend.
The highly regarded teenager has already been compared to some of Brazil’s legendary players, including Neymar, the nation’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
Speaking to ESPN at an event at the Hollywood Palladium, Neymar expressed his high hopes for Estevao and his excitement about the young player’s future.
‘He is a great talent that is emerging today in Brazilian football,’ the iconic Brazil star said.
‘I think he’s going to be a genius.’
While Neymar will play no part in Brazil’s Copa America campaign after suffering a knee injury in December, the ex-Barcelona & PSG star believes Rodrygo can step up to the plate in his absence.
‘Brazil’s key player? For me I think it’s Rodrygo, because Vini will play with all his ability, but Rodrygo I think is very different,’ he added.
‘He’s a star and the No.10 shirt will definitely bring him a lot of luck.’
Just this month, Brazilian World Cup winner Branco suggested Estevao was the country’s biggest talent since Neymar.
‘It’s been a long time since we’ve had these kids there and Brazil has a spectacular generation,’ Branco told Canal WAMO.
‘Brazil for 2026 will arrive very strong, they’ll arrive with strength, speed and quality.
‘Estevao, for me, with all due respect to the others, this is something serious, something that I’ve never said and I’m going to say – since Neymar, he is the greatest player I’ve seen born in Brazil.
‘This is my opinion, you’ve seen him close, you know. This is Brazil, they’re all spectacular but this boy, his ceiling is a bit higher.’
