The Brazilian teenager will be determined to show the world what he can do in his final act before his blockbuster transfer

One of the most compelling subplots of the revamped, expanded Club World Cup will be the breakout players who make a name for themselves, perhaps even earning a post-tournament transfer. Palmeiras' Estevao Willian will be one of those hopefuls, but his future is already decided.

The attacker will join Chelsea this summer having turned 18 in April, completing a £56 million ($71m) transfer from the Brazilian giants to Stamford Bridge that was agreed last year, and he has generated plenty of excitement across the Atlantic.

However, the vast majority of Blues fans will only have seen the teenager's obvious ability in flashes – through viral social media clips and YouTube compilations. At the Club World Cup, the stage is set for Estevao to show Chelsea and everyone else exactly what he is capable of.

Getty Images SportNo slowing down

Out of sight and somewhat out of mind for most European football followers as he continues to develop in his homeland, the last time we checked in with Estevao he had just eclipsed former wonderkid Neymar by becoming the most productive under-17 player in Brazil's Serie A since the turn of the century. The teenager would end the April-to-December Brazilian season as the most productive player in the Brasileirao at just 17 years of age, scoring 13 goals and laying on nine more in 31 appearances in what was still his breakthrough campaign.

While his numbers have been more modest in the league, Estevao has continued in the same vein in 2025 as Palmeiras' new talisman. The attacker has lit up the Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil and Campeonata Paulista (11 goals, five assists in 32 appearances in all competitions), sporadically popping into our consciousness in Europe with a string of outrageous individual efforts.

In June, new Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti handed the youngster his full, senior Brazil debut in the draw with Ecuador. Another huge step at his tender age.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesMade to wait

Having generated so much excitement among Chelsea fans who have seen clips online, many would have hoped to see Estevao in the blue shirt at the Club World Cup after he turned 18 in April, which cleared the way for him to complete the long-awaited transfer.

However, the decision has been made for the youngster to have his Palmeiras swansong at the tournament, with his current employers involved by virtue of their 2021 Copa Libertadores triumph – the same year Chelsea lifted the Champions League trophy that has earned them their place.

Speaking in April, Estevao's agent Andre Cury said: "Yes, he's arriving [at Chelsea] after the Club World Cup. He's a world-class player. Very good. A guy who's going to make history here."

Chelsea's loss is Palmeiras' gain. Speaking around the same time, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca said: "Yes, we are following him. He is doing fantastic – but, unfortunately, he is doing fantastic there and not with us. For sure, we are very happy in the way he is doing these things."

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now(C)Getty Images'The goal is to win'

But Estevao isn't going into the Club World Cup just to make up the numbers – he's in it to win it, a demonstration of the ambition and drive he possesses despite his tender years.

Speaking to recently, the teenager said: "It feels great to be playing in a tournament like this, and to know that Palmeiras is among the best clubs in the world. Expectations are high, and the tournament will also be a great learning experience, since we'll be facing not just South American clubs, but also European ones. I think the key is to enjoy it as much as possible.

"There's no doubt that the goal is to win, and that goes for the whole team, not just me. We need to focus on what we can control, and god willing, everything will work out."

In a previous press conference Estevao added: "We are getting ourselves ready every day. I think our team is growing, developing and we are going to be very well prepared."

AFPSharing the stage with his hero

Previously nicknamed 'Messinho' (or 'Little Messi') for his supposed similarities with the Argentine great (incidentally, a moniker he is trying to shed), Estevao will potentially share a pitch with one of his footballing idols in the United States. Palmeiras have been drawn in the same group as Leo's Inter Miami, who were controversially handed a place at the tournament, with the two sides meeting in their third and final group game in Miami later in June.

For Estevao, gracing the same stage as Messi will be a dream come true. "I'll be playing against one of the greatest football players in history," he told . "Being on the pitch with him will be an incredible and unforgettable experience for me."