Chelsea’s young talent Estevao Willian has made history in the UEFA Champions League by achieving a feat that even Lionel Messi couldn’t accomplish during his teenage years. The Brazilian sensation scored for the Blues in their 2-2 draw with Qarabag, becoming the first South American player aged 18 or younger to score in consecutive Champions League games.
Estevao’s goal came in the 16th minute, showcasing his skill and composure as he cut inside from the right and found the bottom corner with a precise finish. This impressive display adds to his growing reputation, as he had also scored in Chelsea’s previous UCL match, a 5-1 victory over Ajax Amsterdam.
In comparison, Lionel Messi, despite his incredible success in the Champions League, didn’t achieve the milestone of scoring in back-to-back games as a teenager. The Argentine maestro had to wait until he was 20 years old to score consecutive goals in the competition.
Aside from his record-breaking goal, Estevao put in a stellar performance throughout the match against Qarabag. He played the full 90 minutes, making 56 touches, eight of which were in the opposition box (the most in the game). He also won eight duels, completed three take-ons, and created three chances, earning him the Man of the Match award with a match rating of 7.7 on Sofascore.
Known as ‘Messinho’ for his playing style and flair, Estevao has always looked up to Lionel Messi as his inspiration. In an interview during his time at Palmeiras, he expressed his admiration for the Argentine superstar and how he tried to emulate Messi’s skills on the pitch.
Since joining Chelsea, Estevao has been making a name for himself, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions. With his talent and determination, the young Brazilian is set to have a bright future in the world of football.
As Estevao continues to impress on the big stage, fans and pundits alike are excited to see how his career will unfold. With his skills, work ethic, and admiration for greats like Messi, he is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in the coming years.
