'My second-biggest dream' - Brazil wonderkid Estevao targeting Ballon d'Or after joining Chelsea
Published 05/07/2025 at 16:43 GMT+1
Excitement is growing at Chelsea ahead of the arrival of Brazilian teenager Estevao, who impressed against The Blues for Palmeiras in their Club World Cup quarter-final. The winger has revealed that his dream of winning the Ballon d'Or is second only to the possibility of World Cup glory with Brazil. Estevao also praised fellow youngsters Lamine Yamal and Franco Mastantuono.
Maresca insists 'huge talent' Estevao will be 'very important player' for Chelsea
Video credit: SNTV
New Chelsea star Estevao has revealed winning the Ballon d'Or is his "second-biggest dream", after World Cup glory with Brazil.
The 18-year-old will join Chelsea this summer after the Club World Cup, where he has played for Palmeiras.
And the latest Brazilian wonderkid has outlined his intention to compete for the Ballon d'Or in the coming years.
"It's my second-biggest dream, only after winning the World Cup with the Brazilian national team," Estevao said when asked about the Ballon d'Or in an interview with As.
Estevao is viewed as one of the next generation of elite talents, along with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono, who is set to join Real Madrid from River Plate.
"He is another great player who has been growing a lot," Estevao said of Mastantuono. "I've also been following his matches because he's been playing in South America. He’s got incredible potential."
Asked if there could be a three-way battle for the Ballon d'Or between the aforementioned players, Estevao added: "I sincerely hope so. The three of us are the same age. It would be incredible and very interesting to find ourselves in that situation."
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Estevao also praised Yamal, who has emerged as a true star for Barcelona and Spain over the last year.
"He's a fantastic young man, a great player who had an incredible season," he said. "I followed him closely during the Champions League, I was really cheering for him and Raphinha, especially."
Chelsea fans have already been given a glimpse of Estevao's talent, after he scored for Palmeiras in their 2-1 Club World Cup quarter-final defeat to The Blues.
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"I'm happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night," Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said.
"He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world, you need to adapt.
"We are going to help him to adapt. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea."
Cole Palmer was equally effusive about his future team-mate, despite some communication problems.
"You can see he is a top player, so it is very exciting," Palmer said.
"I just said to him we are excited for him to join - but he didn't understand a single word I said."
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