With 53 minutes on the clock, Richard Rios advanced down the right wing and drilled a low cross into the box that didn’t appear to threaten the Chelsea FC defence. With Levi Colwill marking him tightly, Estevao picked up the ball and tried to wriggle free by heading for the byline.
There was no obvious threat until a flash of brilliance by the 18-year-old saw him unleash a powerful strike from an almost impossible angle. The ball crashed in off the underside of the bar and brought Palmeiras level with their English counterparts.
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That goal against his soon-to-be-employers reignited the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ quarter-final showdown. It was the teenager’s maiden goal and it came during arguably his best performance.
With just seven minutes left of the contest, however, Enzo Maresca’s side capitalised on an unfortunate Weverton own goal to book their place in the semi-finals. Nevertheless, it was a fitting send-off on the biggest stage for the young man in the spotlight against his future club.
“I’m heartbroken,” Estevao admitted to FIFA. “Only we know how hard we’ve worked and battled to give our all on the pitch. I know everyone gave everything. I’m so proud to have been part of this squad. My family and I are so grateful to Palmeiras for everything the club has done for us.
“Thank you so much, Palmeiras. The club will always have a special place in my heart.”
Before collecting his Michelob ULTRA Superior Player of the Match award, Estevao struggled to hold back the tears after playing his final match for the Verdão. A few minutes later, while still on the pitch, the cameras captured the Palmeiras No41 greeting his future Chelsea team-mates, in particular Cole Palmer, the scorer of the opening goal of the tie.
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“I knew this would be my final tournament with the club,” admitted the winger. “I’ve tried to take full advantage of it with my team-mates. I spend more time with them than I do with my family.
“It can get heated in matches. I was giving my all for Palmeiras and they were doing so for Chelsea. We clashed a few times out there, but that’s part and parcel of the game. They came over to congratulate me afterwards.”
“I just said we look forward to seeing you,” Palmer said post match. “But he didn’t understand a word I said!”
The stunning strike was the teen’s 27th goal during a short but impactful stint with the Alviverde, which kicked off on the final matchday of the 2023 Brasileirão campaign. The highly rated Brazilian starlet, who was recently called up to the senior national team by Carlo Ancelotti, registered 42 goal contributions in 83 appearances for the club.
“We know we can’t win every match, but I’m thrilled to have been part of this team,” added the Brazilian. “I’m so grateful to all my team-mates, the coaching staff, the people behind the scenes at Palmeiras and all the fans for everything they’ve done for me. I’ll be forever thankful.”
In his post-match press conference, coach Abel Ferreira was quick to heap praise on his departing star when quizzed by the English media.
“I’ve already spoken to Maresca, who’s an excellent coach,” he stated. “I said to him, ‘You’re signing a brilliant player and a wonderful person as well. He’s only 18, but he’s already a fantastic footballer. You’ll have to look after him and support him.’
“He’s an incredible player. He’s strong, quick and can shoot with both feet, which is why Chelsea came in for him.”
For Maresca, the first meeting with his future player couldn’t have gone better. “Happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night.”
