Chelsea’s New Starboy Estêvão Dazzles in Final Palmeiras Appearance—Coach Urges Maresca to Handle Him With Care
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been given a heartfelt message from Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira: “embrace” Estêvão Willian and “take care of him”. The teenage sensation lit up the pitch in his final game for the Brazilian club, even netting a stunning goal against his soon-to-be employers.
Despite Estêvão’s brilliance, it was an 83rd-minute own goal from Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton that handed Chelsea a 2-1 win in their FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal clash in Philadelphia. With the victory, Chelsea books their spot in the semifinals against Fluminense, set to be played in New Jersey next Tuesday.
But the night truly belonged to 18-year-old Estêvão, who was awarded Player of the Match honors. It was a dazzling farewell from the young forward before he officially joins Chelsea later this month. The Premier League giants signed him for a £33.8 million ($46.1 million) fee a year ago and loaned him back to Palmeiras to continue his development.
Ferreira, full of admiration for the youngster, had high praise—and a caution—for Chelsea:
“I spoke with Maresca and told him, ‘You haven’t just bought a phenomenal player—you’ve signed a phenomenal person,’” said the Palmeiras manager.
“He’s just 18. Chelsea needs to nurture him. There will be mistakes, no doubt. But what he showed today proves he's a player who can win games on his own.”
Ferreira admitted he once questioned Estêvão’s physicality.
“When he first joined Palmeiras, I thought he wasn’t strong enough,” he recalled. “But I was wrong. He’s deceptively strong, fast, and can dribble like lightning. He’s got serious grit and talent.”
“Chelsea paid a lot, but trust me—it’s worth every penny. Congratulations to them.”
The Palmeiras boss also shared a light-hearted warning with Estêvão about life in England.
“I joked with him: the sun isn’t the same there! In England, you might see it two or three times a year. And it gets dark early.”
But he added: “Chelsea has the facilities and support to help him thrive. He’s brilliant, but he’ll need that support.”
Watching the young star dazzle against his future club was a surreal moment for Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who called it the “perfect night.”
“I’m happy we won, and I’m also happy Estêvão scored,” Maresca said. “He’s a huge talent and a fantastic player. The only challenge now is adaptation. Coming from South America takes time—but we’re ready to help him. No doubt he’ll be a key player for Chelsea.”
Description:
"Chelsea’s newest wonderkid Estêvão Willian stole the show in his final Palmeiras match with a stunning goal against his future club. Coach Abel Ferreira urges Enzo Maresca to nurture the £33.8M teen sensation as he prepares to shine in the Premier League."