Picture this: while still playing for your current team, you sign for your dream club. But before even pulling on their jersey, you’re not only asked to play against them — you end up scoring a goal too, nearly knocking them out of a tournament! Apologetic or not, that’s Estêvão Willian for you, who came close to delivering a major scare to his future team, Chelsea.

The 18-year-old wunderkind is set to join the Premier League giants in a $40 million move from Palmeiras after the FIFA Club World Cup ends. The deal was sanctioned by the Blues on June 22, 2024. However, fate had a cheeky twist in store, as it saw the Brazilian youngster face his future teammates while playing for his current side in the quarter-finals of the ongoing tournament.

In fact, talk about making an early impression in front of his new team, as Estêvão ended up scoring for Palmeiras against Chelsea. It all began after the London club took the lead within 16 minutes, thanks to a perfect finish from Cole Palmer. While the first half remained in Enzo Maresca and Co.’s favor, the second half saw Palmeiras score an equaliser, courtesy of their young forward, who is set to leave them in the following month.

Read the room, boy! His goal only left Chelsea fans in a dilemma, whether they should be happy to see the raw talent of Estêvão or should fear for their club’s future in the prestigious club tournament. Then again, the teenager’s efforts, though impressive, weren’t enough to seal the deal for his club as the English giants made it 1-2, due to an unfortunate own goal from his teammate, Agustín Giay.

The final whistle blew as Palmeiras’ dreams of the Club World Cup were shattered. As for Chelsea, they progressed to the semifinals, where the PL side will be facing another Brazilian side, Fluminense FC, who are coming with a 1-2 win over Al Hilal. Meanwhile, the other fixture of the semifinal will be decided from the results of the remaining two quarterfinal clashes, PSG vs Bayern and Real Madrid vs Dortmund.

As for Estêvão, he did well, trying to help his current team dream of a potential win, even though the result was something else. Not to mention, his goal was no ordinary one, receiving the ball in a tight spot on the right side of the six-yard spot before firing it in the top left corner. Progress duly noted, Estêvão. If not by the fans or your future teammates, then certainly by someone at Chelsea who’s been keeping a close eye on you!

Chelsea boss praises ‘huge talent’ Estêvão Willian

After the game, Enzo Maresca heaped praise on the young forward who is set to join the club in the following month. “You can see he is a huge talent,” began the Italian tactician. “You can see he is a fantastic player. The only thing now is when you come from South America or another part of the world to Europe, you need to adapt. We are going to help him to adapt and, first of all, to enjoy football.”

Aside from urging caution in fitting well in the Premier League and European exposure, the 45-year-old assured that the Franca native will get all the help in the world from his teammates, coaching staff, and club, but will also play a crucial role in his tactical plans. “We don’t have any doubt, as he is so good, that he is going to be an important player for Chelsea,” concluded Maresca.

Meanwhile, after scoring a goal, Estêvão Willian expressed his delight in scoring a goal for his team, even if it was against his future club. “I’m very happy I could score a goal to help my club,” the teenager said. “Unfortunately, this wasn’t the result we wanted, but we gave our best on the pitch. Now I am moving on and I thank Palmeiras for everything. I will cheer Palmeiras on and I am so happy to have been part of this club.”

Having arrived from Cruzeiro U17 since 2021, Estêvão gradually proved himself a remarkable talent at Palmeiras, rising through the ranks, even winning the Copa São Paulo de Juniores with the U20 side. After being promoted to the senior team, the right winger became a crucial part of the team, notching 27 goals and 15 assists in just 83 games. He also lifted the Brazilian championship and the Campeão Paulista title.

Now he’ll be taking his talents to Chelsea, at least after the FIFA Club World Cup campaign ends. Till then, Stamford Bridge is waiting for you, Estêvão Willian!