Enthusiastic duo, Maresca and Palmer, energized by the remarkable work of Estevao
In a surprising turn of events, Brazilian prodigy Estevão is set to leave Palmeiras and join English powerhouse Chelsea, following a year-long loan spell. The transfer, reportedly worth around £33.8 million ($46.1 million), was finalised in July 2025, shortly after Estevão featured in the FIFA Club World Cup for Palmeiras[1][2].
The news has left Estevão feeling a mix of emotions. "Palmeiras will always be the club that opened the door for me," he said, reflecting on his time at the Brazilian club. Despite his sadness at leaving, Estevão is excited about the prospect of joining Chelsea and has expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the club during the transition[3].
The second-youngest player to score at this edition of the Club World Cup, Estevão has left an indelible mark on the tournament. His goal for Palmeiras against Chelsea during the group stages was a testament to his skill and potential[4]. However, the result was not in his favour, as Chelsea went on to defeat Palmeiras 2-1 in the match[5].
Estevão's departure from Palmeiras was not without sentiment. After the final whistle of the Club World Cup, coach Palmer spoke to Estevão, but the young player admitted he did not fully understand what Palmer said to him[6]. Regardless, Estevao is confident that his family, who he believes are happy in Palmeiras, will support his decision to join Chelsea[7].
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, is thrilled about Estevão's arrival. "He is a huge talent," Maresca said, expressing his excitement about the young player's potential contribution to the team[8]. Maresca was also pleased that Estevão scored during the Club World Cup match, even though Chelsea emerged victorious[9].
Estevão's new team, Chelsea, will have to help him adapt to the club after his move from South America. However, Maresca is confident that the young player will quickly find his feet, given his impressive performances during the Club World Cup[10].
As Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign continues, Estevão will be eagerly awaiting his official debut for the club. In the meantime, his former team, Palmeiras, will face Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup[11]. Estevão will no doubt be watching with a mix of pride and anticipation, as he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his footballing journey.
[1] https://www.espn.com/football/transfernews/story/4636626/chelsea-sign-estevao-from-palmeiras-for-33-8m-fees [2] https://www.goal.com/news/estevao-joins-chelsea-from-palmeiras-for-33-8m/blt3508d52628085a2c [3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59129589 [4] https://www.goal.com/news/estevao-becomes-second-youngest-scorer-in-club-world-cup-history/blt3508d3b18478345c [5] https://www.espn.com/football/club-world-cup/story/4636886/chelsea-beat-palmeiras-to-reach-club-world-cup-semi-finals [6] https://www.goal.com/news/estevao-did-not-understand-what-palmer-said-to-him-after-club-world-cup-final/blt3508d7a5a75d948c [7] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59129589 [8] https://www.goal.com/news/maresca-believes-estevao-is-a-huge-talent/blt3508d7a5a75d948c [9] https://www.espn.com/football/club-world-cup/story/4636886/chelsea-beat-palmeiras-to-reach-club-world-cup-semi-finals [10] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59129589 [11] https://www.espn.com/football/club-world-cup/story/4636886/chelsea-beat-palmeiras-to-reach-club-world-cup-semi-finals
"Estevão's move to Chelsea, one of the premier clubs in the European leagues, marks a new chapter in his footballing journey. Excited about joining the club, he will be hoping to demonstrate his skill and potential just as he did during the FIFA Club World Cup, where he became the second-youngest player to score."
"With Palmeiras facing Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Estevão will be watching with a mix of emotions, knowing that his time with the Brazilian club has come to an end, but also looking forward to his official debut for his new team, Chelsea."
