Estevão Shines in Ancelotti’s Brazil Debut

Willian Estevão, 17, started his first game for Brazil as Carlo Ancelotti debuted as their head coach on Wednesday night.

BIG MOMENT FOR YOUNG STAR

Chelsea-bound Palmeiras star Willian Estevão started in Ancelotti‘s first match as Brazil‘s coach. Estevão’s rise in Brazilian football has been fast. He debuted internationally last September as a substitute against Ecuador. Now, Estevão leads Brazil’s attack as they continue their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

CHELSEA’S BIG BET

Estevão’s start for Brazil shows Chelsea’s €61.5 million investment is paying off. The Premier League club signed him earlier this year. He’ll join Chelsea in 2025 when he turns 18. Known as “Messinho,” Estevão has a record season in 2025 with Palmeiras, scoring five goals in just 11 matches.

In March, Estevão broke Neymar’s record by becoming the first under-18 Brazilian to score 30 career goals. His dribbling, creativity, and finishing make him one of football’s brightest young talents.

ANCELOTTI’S NEW ERA

Starting Estevão shows Ancelotti’s willingness to add youth to Brazil’s team. After managing elite clubs, Ancelotti’s goal is to return Brazil to the top of international football.

Brazil is fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings with 10 points from 6 matches, behind Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia. Their next match is against Peru on June 10, where they’ll aim to strengthen their qualifying position for the 2026 World Cup.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ESTEVÃO?

After Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers, Estevão will go back to Palmeiras to finish the Brazilian Serie A season before moving to Chelsea in 2025. He’ll also play in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, his last chance to shine for his boyhood club before heading to Europe.

As a starter under Ancelotti, Estevão is on track to become Brazil’s next superstar, following legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, and Neymar.