The stage is set for Estevao Willian: Chelsea-bound £56m wonderkid perfectly poised to light up the Club World Cup with Palmeiras

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.

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."

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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 DAZN 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."

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 DAZN. "Being on the pitch with him will be an incredible and unforgettable experience for me."

Estevao has already played his last home game for Palmeiras, inevitably starring in a 6-0 Libertadores demolition of Peruvian side Club Sporting Cristal with a sublime goal - plucking a long ball out of the air, cutting inside and whipping home a finish - and assist. Now begins the the long goodbye to the club he joined as a 14-year-old and gave him a chance to shine.

"I'm having incredible days, a mix of feelings," he said recently. "It's hard to explain, when you're playing, you're playing to give life to the fans, and to have this recognition from the fans knowing that in a few days I won't be experiencing this anymore. I have to thank this wonderful fans for everything they did for me.

He added: "Feeling of gratitude, because at the same time that I’m leaving here, I’m going to live a dream. I’m trying to enjoy this place as much as possible, because I’m going to miss it."

If he is able to put aside the emotion of his imminent exit from the Verdao, Estevao will know he has a unique opportunity to show the world what he is capable of in an arena where far more eyes will be on him. Of course, Chelsea and their followers will take a particularly keen interest in his exploits.

Outside of international tournaments, South American football is rarely in the spotlight, so the expanded Club World Cup will provide Brazil's next big thing with the platform to justify the hype around him. If Palmeiras can get out of their group, he may get the chance to prove himself against some of Europe's big hitters and perhaps even his soon-to-be employers.

A player whose talent most have only glimpsed in viral social media clips and YouTube compilations, the stage is finally set for Estevao to demonstrate exactly why Chelsea have shelled out £56m before he makes the lifechanging switch to England and the Premier League.