Estevao Willian Told How to Become Ballon d’Or Contender

Chelsea sensation Estevao Willian has been told how to become a Ballon d’Or contender like Lamine Yamal after his game-changing display against Liverpool.

The 17-year-old Brazilian, affectionately dubbed “Messinho” in his homeland, has taken to English football like a natural, blending flair, courage and creativity in a way few foreign youngsters ever manage.

Signed for €34 million (£30m) from Palmeiras plus a hefty €23m (£20m) in add-ons, Estevao is already looking like a bargain for the Blues.

In a thrilling showdown with Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday, Estevao announced himself on the biggest stage, striking a 95th-minute winner that sent Stamford Bridge into absolute pandemonium. It was a moment of magic that etched his name into Chelsea folklore and proved that the hype around “Messinho” is no exaggeration.

Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid who finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, has set the benchmark for the next generation. But Estevao’s rise in London has sparked talk that he could soon rival, or even surpass, the Spanish prodigy.

Djibril Cisse: ‘He changed the game’
Former Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse is among those to have been blown away by Estevao’s early impact at Chelsea. Speaking to Poker Strategy, Cisse claimed the Brazilian is one of the most gifted youngsters in the world, but warned that raw talent alone won’t win him a Ballon d’Or.

“It is really good to see Estavao playing so well in the Premier League at the moment at such a young age,” he said. “He has put in some really strong performances this season. I thought he changed the game against Liverpool.

“There are a lot of talented young players at the moment like him and Lamine Yamal, but their careers will depend a lot on how they grow up. Yamal was second in the Ballon d’Or, but to win big awards like that you need more than talent. Estevao will need to be mentally strong and consistent at the top level with more big moments, but the goal against Liverpool will certainly help him a lot.”

Estevao’s future locked in until 2033
Chelsea wasted no time in securing their golden boy for the long term. Estevao’s contract runs until 2033, ensuring that the west London club can fully reap the rewards of his potential for the next decade.

The next Ballon d’Or battle?
Football’s next great rivalry might already be taking shape: Estevao vs Yamal. Both forwards appear destined to carry the torch of their generation, and both could be in the Ballon d’Or conversation for years to come. For now, though, the boy they call “Messinho” has London at his feet, and if Cisse’s words ring true, the road to football immortality has already begun at Stamford Bridge.

Goal.com