Chelsea Wonderkid Estevao Praises GOAT Duo of Ronaldo and Messi

• Estevao Willian has revealed how he draws inspiration from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• The Brazilian wonderkid is set to officially join Premier League side Chelsea in 2025 when he turns 18
• Fans are eagerly awaiting his debut, hoping he can make the same kind of impact at Stamford Bridge as he has in Brazil

Incoming Chelsea signing Estevao Willian has shared insights on how he models his development after the two football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian prodigy looks to both players as benchmarks, with aspirations of carving out a legacy that could rival their greatness.

Estevao, currently lighting up the Brazilian league with Palmeiras, will officially join Chelsea in 2025 when he turns 18.

Like many young talents, he's often compared to Messi and Ronaldo, two players who have not only dominated the sport for two decades but have collected an astounding 13 Ballons d'Or between them—Messi claiming eight and Ronaldo five.

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Estevao draws inspiration from Messi, Ronaldo

Interestingly, Estevao has drawn comparisons to Messi early in his career.

At Cruzeiro, he was nicknamed "Messinho" due to his playing style, which mirrored the Argentine's dribbling, vision, and ability to find pockets of space in the final third.

However, Estevao is determined to step out of that shadow and establish his unique identity on the pitch.

"Some people are born with talent; others have to work hard. Good examples are Messi and Ronaldo," he told The Guardian, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

"Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort. I look for both talent and dedication.

"Nowadays in football, you have to dedicate yourself, keep a schedule, train, travel, take care of yourself."

Estevao's track record in Brazil

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This combination of technical finesse and sheer work ethic has clearly paid off for the young forward.

As noted by Transfermarkt, Estevao's breakout 2024 season saw him net nine goals and provide seven assists in just 23 Serie A appearances for Palmeiras.

His contribution not only kept the team in contention for the title but also earned him two senior national team caps for Brazil.

CR7 reveals young player who can surpass him and Messi

In a previous publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo revealed the player he believes could potentially surpass both him and his longtime rival Lionel Messi.

During a discussion on his YouTube channel with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, the Portuguese icon highlighted Lamine Yamal as a young talent to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Source: YEN.com.gh