London, October 8, 2025 – Estêvão Willian, Chelsea’s 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy whose stoppage-time strike sealed the club’s thrilling 2–1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last weekend, has delivered a heartfelt message to teammates, coaches, and fans. Speaking to Globo Esporte ahead of Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the £50 million former Palmeiras star urged everyone to stop labeling him “the next Messi” and instead recognize his deep admiration for Neymar Jr.
“I love Messi, but please—no more ‘Messinho,’” Estêvão said, referring to the nickname that has followed him since his youth academy days. “It’s a weight I never asked to carry. I just want to play, enjoy football, and be myself. Neymar’s been my idol since I was a kid in Fortaleza. He taught me to dream big. Let’s celebrate that—not chase ghosts.”
His comments come as Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, climb to fourth in the Premier League table following the Liverpool triumph. Estêvão’s remarks highlight the pressure of expectation placed on a teenager thrust into English football’s spotlight.
Tagged “Messinho” at Cruzeiro for his low center of gravity, rapid acceleration, and dazzling dribbles, Estêvão’s talent drew early comparisons to Messi—a double-edged sword. His reputation soared when, at 12, he became the youngest Brazilian to sign with Nike, surpassing even Neymar and Rodrygo. Palmeiras quickly secured his signature in 2020 for a record youth fee, and by 17, he had already surpassed Neymar’s Serie A record for goal involvements in a single season (19 goals and 12 assists). Chelsea, amid their youth-driven rebuild, swooped in last summer, calling him the “crown jewel” of their £200 million Brazilian investment alongside Kendry Páez.
Yet, the constant Messi comparisons have clearly worn thin. “A nickname like that can become a chain,” Estêvão admitted, echoing what he told FourFourTwo earlier this year. “People see the dribbles and the vision, but I’m not him. I’m Estêvão. My Nike story began because of Neymar—he was the magician who made football look like art. My childhood posters? All Ney. Messi’s brilliance is unmatched, but Neymar’s fire is what inspired me.”
That distinction speaks volumes. While Messi’s perfection has a quiet grace, Neymar’s creativity—rooted in street football, flair, and joy—reflects Brazil’s footballing soul. Raised in humble surroundings in Fortaleza, Estêvão draws strength from his idol’s resilience. “He faced the world’s spotlight early, like I am now. The injuries, the criticism—he always came back. That’s what I look up to.”
At Chelsea, hype is building. Maresca has managed his introduction carefully, often using him as an impact substitute. His late winner against Liverpool—a composed strike after Cole Palmer’s incisive pass—was his first senior goal for the club. Teammates have quickly recognized his spark. “He’s got that Neymar energy,” said Moisés Caicedo, who scored the opener that day. But Estêvão’s plea is clear: to his coach and peers—“Let me grow into my own player”; to the fans—“Cheer for my journey, not someone else’s legacy.”
It’s a remarkably mature stance for an 18-year-old—akin to Kylian Mbappé’s refusal to embrace the Messi label or Jude Bellingham’s resistance to Ronaldo comparisons.
Chelsea’s resurgence under Maresca—after last season’s sixth-place finish—has been built around young flair players like Estêvão, blending high pressing with expressive wing play. Against Liverpool, he tormented full-back Conor Bradley, winning three duels and creating two chances in just 25 minutes—a performance reminiscent of Neymar’s early days at Santos. Off the pitch, he’s bonded with Alejandro Garnacho, the former Manchester United winger, over shared admiration for Neymar: “We trade clips of his Champions League magic from 2015,” he laughed.
Even Neymar himself responded. The 33-year-old Al Hilal forward, currently recovering from an ACL injury, sent a personal message after the Liverpool game: “Keep shining, irmão. Your style is yours—if I inspired it, that’s family.” For Estêvão, it was validation. “That message? Pure gold,” he said. “No pressure—just love.”
As Chelsea chase a Champions League spot—just three points behind Arsenal—Maresca echoed his young star’s sentiment in Tuesday’s press conference: “He’s Estêvão Willian. If Neymar inspired him, that’s wonderful. We’ll nurture that passion, not box it in.”
This isn’t mere PR—it’s a statement against football’s obsession with comparisons. From Bojan Krkić’s “next Messi” curse to Adama Traoré’s “mini Ronaldo” tag, many careers have been burdened by borrowed identities. Estêvão refuses to fall into that trap.
“Let’s win together—my way,” he concluded. “Neymar taught me joy; Messi belongs to history. I’m here to write my own story.”
At Stamford Bridge, where blue dreams are reborn, Chelsea’s newest star isn’t chasing legends—he’s channeling his hero’s spirit. The Premier League should take note: a new storm is brewing—Brazilian, fearless, and unmistakably Estêvão.