"Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort. I look for both" says future Chelsea star Estevao

Estevao will join the Blues from Palmeiras in the 2025/2026 season for a deal worth £51m. The 17-year-old sat down with 'Placar' for an exclusive interview as Chelsea await for his arrival in the summer. Estevao is labelled as Brazil's most exciting young talent since Neymar, above the likes of Vinicius Jr and Endrick. 

Aware of talent and potential, Estevao has set his standard high for his footballing career. “My biggest dream is to be the best player in the world," he revealed. "That’s my dream. One day I’ll be among the best. But I’m not going to promise or project that I’ll achieve this in a few years. It’ll come naturally.”

His goal may not be as impossible as some may think as, according to 'Placar', Estevao has been nicknamed 'Messinho' (Little Messi) for many years in Brazil. The label is important for the forward, as he also admitted the Argentinian is his great inspiration. “I like Neymar a lot too, Cristiano Ronaldo. But my reference is Messi for everything he’s done for football,” He said. “The way he plays and what he does off the pitch is a guy I always have to look up to. And, of course, for me being left-footed like him favours as well.

Nonetheless, the future Chelsea wonderkid insists that he also looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model for discipline. “Some people are born with talent, others have to work hard. Good examples are Messi and Ronaldo. Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort. I look for both. Talent and dedication. Today in football you have to dedicate yourself, you have to keep to a schedule, train, travel, take care of yourself. You have to give up a lot. Without dedication you can’t get anywhere.”

 

October 9, 2024