Estêvão is a Brazilian footballer known for his exceptional skills as a winger.
He earned the nickname "Messinho" during his youth career at Cruzeiro due to his remarkable talent.
Estêvão helped Palmeiras youth teams win several prestigious titles, including the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17.
Biography
Early Life
Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves, known simply as Estêvão, was born in Franca, São Paulo. He began his youth career at Cruzeiro in 2017, where his exceptional talent earned him the nickname "Messinho". At just 10 years old, he made headlines by signing a deal with Nike, becoming the youngest athlete to do so at the time.
Career
Estêvão's professional journey took a significant turn when he joined the youth academy of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras on May 6, 2021. His time at Palmeiras was marked by impressive achievements, including helping the youth teams secure multiple titles such as the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17 and the Copa do Brasil Sub-17. In October 2023, he showcased his skills by scoring a hat-trick in the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 final, leading his team to victory. He made his professional debut for Palmeiras on December 7, 2023, becoming the club's fourth youngest player at the age of 16 years and 8 months. Estêvão later transitioned to Chelsea F.C., where he continued to develop his career.
International Career
Estêvão's international career began with the Brazil national under-17 team, where he was first called up in October 2022. He made his senior debut for the Brazil national team on September 6, 2024, during a World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador, and scored his first international goal on September 4, 2025, against Chile. His playing style has drawn comparisons to football legends Lionel Messi and Neymar, highlighting his precocious decision-making and game awareness.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Estêvão was first called up to represent the Brazil U17s in October 2022 for a set of friendlies in October 2022. He was selected for the Brazil national team for the first time on 23 August 2024, to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification against Ecuador and the Paraguay. He debuted on 6 September 2024 against Ecuador at the Estádio Couto Pereira, substituting Luiz Henrique in the 61st minute as Brazil won 1–0. On 4 September 2025, during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, Estêvão scored his first international goal in Brazil's 3–0 win against Chile.
Estêvão has been compared to Lionel Messi and Neymar. He originally used the nickname Messinho as a homage to Messi, due to similarities in their respective playing styles. He has also been praised for his maturity, his reading of the game and his decision making, which were all considered to be precocious.
Palmeiras
Estêvão moved to the youth academy of Palmeiras on 6 May 2021, signing a trainee contract. In the 2022 season, he helped the Palmeiras youth teams win the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17 Campeonato Paulista de Futebol Sub-17, Campeonato Paulista Sub-15 Campeonato Paulista de Futebol Sub-15, Copa do Brasil Sub-17 and Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17. In October 2023, Estêvão scored a hat-trick in the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 final which ended in a 3–0 victory against São Paulo, helping his club to achieve their second consecutive title in the competition. On 7 December 2023, Estêvão made his professional debut for Palmeiras, coming off the bench in the 78th minute of a 1–1 draw away at Cruzeiro which sealed the Série A title win for Palmeiras. At 16 years and 8 months, he became the club's fourth youngest player ever. Estêvão returned to the Palmeiras U-20 team for the Copinha 2024, and emerged as a standout in the tournament and an important player for his team.. On 12 April 2024, he scored his first goal for Palmeiras in a 3–1 win over Liverpool during the 2024 Copa Libertadores group stage, becoming the third player under 17 to achieve this feat following Ângelo Gabriel and Endrick. On 4 July 2025, Estêvão played his final game for Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, facing the very team he was set to join, Chelsea. He scored the equaliser against his future club, though Palmeiras were ultimately eliminated.
Chelsea
On…
- Club
- Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras
- Club
- Chelsea F.C.
- Club
- Brazil national under-17 football team
- National team
- Brazil
Personal
Born in Franca, São Paulo, Estêvão began his youth career with Cruzeiro in 2017 where his prodigious ability earned him the nickname "Messinho". At the age of 10, Estêvão signed a deal with Nike, making him the then youngest athlete to sign with the company before being surpassed by Kauan Basile.
Clubs
Played together with
Aaron AnselminoChelsea F.C. · 2024- Abner Felipe Souza de AlmeidaBrazil national under-17 football team · 2013–2013
Adalberto RománSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras · 2012–2012- Adalto Batista da SilvaSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras · 2002–2004
- Adam PhillipChelsea F.C. · 2010–2013
- Adamar Francisco CaravettiSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoBrazil national under-17 football team · 2003–2003
- Ademar Miranda JúniorSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras · 1964–1967
- Ademar Miranda JúniorSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras · 1967–1968
- Ademar Miranda JúniorSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras · 1968–1968
Ademilson Braga Bispo JuniorBrazil national under-17 football team · 2011–2011
Ademir da GuiaSociedade Esportiva Palmeiras · 1962–1977
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves, known as Estêvão, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Premier League club Chelsea and the Brazil national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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