Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario has drawn intriguing parallels between Chelsea-bound sensation Willian Estevao and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, predicting a bright future for the teenage star set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in 2025. The endorsement from one of football’s greatest strikers adds significant weight to the growing excitement surrounding the £56 million signing.
Estevao, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ for his playing style, has already made history in Brazilian football, surpassing Neymar’s record for goal contributions by a 17-year-old in Brazil’s top flight. His remarkable tally of 17 contributions in the 2024/25 season eclipsed Neymar’s previous mark of 16 set in 2009 with Santos, highlighting the exceptional nature of his talent at such a young age.
Speaking to journalist Ben Jacobs, Ronaldo offered a glowing assessment of his young compatriot: “He’s a young player and very talented. He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football.” The comparison to Barcelona’s Yamal, who has already made significant waves in European football, suggests Estevao possesses similar game-changing potential.
Chelsea’s successful pursuit of the Palmeiras starlet, securing his signature for a reported £56 million ($73 million), represents a significant investment in future talent. The deal structure, which will see Estevao join the London club in July 2025 after his 18th birthday, complies with international transfer regulations while allowing the young Brazilian to continue his development in familiar surroundings.
Ronaldo’s prediction that Estevao will feature for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup before making his move to Chelsea offers an intriguing glimpse into the immediate future of the talented forward. This international exposure could prove valuable experience before his transition to the Premier League, where expectations will be high given the substantial investment in his services.
The timing of Ronaldo’s comments is particularly relevant as Estevao continues to shine for Palmeiras in their pursuit of the Brazilian Serie A title. The club finds itself in a dramatic race for the championship, needing both a two-goal victory in their final game and a Botafogo defeat against São Paulo to clinch the title. This high-pressure environment provides another testing ground for the young star’s development.
The comparison to Yamal is particularly noteworthy given the Spanish teenager’s rapid rise at Barcelona. Both players share similar attributes: exceptional technical ability, mature decision-making beyond their years, and the capacity to influence games despite their youth. This parallel draws attention to the potential impact Estevao could have upon his arrival in English football.
Chelsea’s acquisition of Estevao continues their strategy of investing in elite young talent, with the club showing faith in his ability to translate his Brazilian success to the Premier League. The significant transfer fee demonstrates their conviction in his potential, while the timing of his arrival allows for further development in his home country before taking on the challenges of English football.
For Palmeiras fans, the remaining time with their young star takes on added significance, knowing they are witnessing the early stages of what Ronaldo predicts will be a remarkable career. The pressure of such expectations and comparisons might weigh heavily on some young players, but Estevao’s record-breaking performances suggest he possesses the mental fortitude to handle such attention.
As Chelsea supporters await their newest Brazilian talent, the endorsement from Ronaldo adds to the anticipation surrounding Estevao’s arrival. The combination of his current achievements, the comparison to Yamal, and the backing of one of football’s greatest players creates a compelling narrative around a player who appears destined to make a significant impact on the global stage.
