Estevao Willian taps the badge. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Di Matteo backs Chelsea player who 'looks like a 15-year-old' to become one of the world’s best

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Former Chelsea player and manager Roberto Di Matteo has backed Estevao Willian to become one of the best players in the world.

Estevao arrived at Chelsea after the Club World Cup, although the Blues agreed a deal with Palmeiras worth up to £51.4m in the summer of 2024.

The 18-year-old is regarded as the best player to emerge from Brazil since Neymar, and Chelsea deserve credit for getting the deal done.

Roberto Di Matteo predicts greatness for Estevao

Estevao has hit the ground running since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and has scored in both the Champions League and Premier League.

He became the youngest player in Chelsea’s history to score in the Champions League, when he converted a first half penalty on Wednesday evening.

Estevao has already established himself as a fan favourite, and there’s a growing pressure for Enzo Maresca to start the youngster every week.

However, Maresca has stated he has no problem telling Estevao he won’t play every week, and it’s important the Brazilian is managed correctly.

Joao Pedro has likened Estevao to Vinicius Junior, and Di Matteo has tipped him to achieve greatness and become one of the best in the world.

“Let’s not overwhelm him with pressure, but he’s going to be a top player! You can see that he is so advanced in his football development,” he told GOAL.

Brazilian to become one of the best in the world?

Di Matteo feels Estevao is currently advanced for his age, and thinks he will continue to grow and become a top player.

“I saw him before the international break and he looks like a 15-year-old! You look at him and think ‘you are playing already?’

“Amazing skills, technically, he’s fast, unpredictable, can go outside and inside. Very good attitude. He’s quite advanced for his age. Ancelotti loves him in the Brazil national team.

“He’s got a very good family around him as well, his parents have moved over with him. He’s got good management around him so I have no doubt that he’s going to grow and become a top player, a world top player.”

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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