Estevao 'will be at World Cup' - Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti predicts huge rise for 'very special' Chelsea talent
Published 01/12/2025 at 12:03 GMT
Estevao's rise is set to hit meteoric levels by next summer, with Carlo Ancelotti already claiming that the 18-year-old will be heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The Chelsea starlet has scored three UEFA Champions League goals, and is witnessing an incredible start to life in Europe, earning himself plenty of plaudits and comparisons to some of the game's greatest talents.
‘Too much pressure’ - Maresca rejects Estevao comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo after Barca goal
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Carlo Ancelotti has already said that rising star Estevao will be part of Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad next summer.
The Chelsea teen has earned himself praise upon praise for both club and country this season since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras in the summer.
Estevao has scored three UEFA Champions League goals in five appearances this season, including a wonderful strike against Barcelona, outshining Lamine Yamal in the process.
On the international stage, he has scored five times in seven appearances for Brazil in 2025.
When asked if the winger will feature for Brazil at the 2026 showpiece, Ancelotti said: "I think so.
"Based on how Estevao has played in the last six months, I think so. Estevao will be at the World Cup."
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The Italian manager has frequently expressed his admiration for the wonderkid, who is already close to matching Vinicius Junior's goal tally for Brazil in far fewer games since making his debut in September 2024.
"He is a very, very special player," Ancelotti added. "He is very different because he has a big natural talent.
"It doesn't mean that he is 100% developed because of his age. In terms of his talent, he can't improve it, but what he can do is to give continuity."
Some of football's biggest young stars have broken through and played thousands of minutes and had tonnes of pressure saddled on their shoulders, only for overexposure to lead to injuries and hamper career development.
Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi are prime examples, and Mikel Arteta has been previously criticised for giving Bukayo Saka too many minutes over the course of a season.
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'A shining star'- Estevao grabs a 'magnificent' second for Chelsea in Barca rout
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Estevao's impressive start to life in European football has already seen him earn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. And his stardom is beginning to rival that of Yamal's.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been careful not to rush Estevao and put him under unnecessary pressure, with the youngster starting just five of his 12 Premier League appearances.
Maresca's approach is clearly pleasing Ancelotti.
"What can help is the physical aspect, the tactical learning and the mental approach because he is very young," the Brazil boss said.
"He is progressing very, very well at Chelsea. I haven't spoken to Chelsea but I'm certain that they are doing a specific program with him in this sense.
"So I think the national team has to take advantage of this talent because it's a very big one."
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