Chelsea secured a statement victory over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night, highlighted by an 18-year-old Brazilian's stunning goal. Estevao, who joined from Palmeiras for €34 million, announced himself with a moment of individual brilliance. The performance positions him as a rising star alongside Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
In Chelsea's Champions League encounter with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on November 25, 2025, 18-year-old Estevao delivered a standout moment. The Brazilian teenager, signed from Palmeiras for €34 million (£28.7 million, $36.9 million), scored a stunning goal that made him the third teenager after Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to net in all of his first three Champions League appearances. He previously scored against Ajax and Qarabag.
Chelsea were leading 1-0 with Barcelona reduced to 10 men when Estevao picked up possession on a counter-attack. He evaded defender Pau Cubarsi with ease, shrugged off Alejandro Balde's challenge, and rifled a right-footed shot into the roof of the net past goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Estevao called it the best moment of his career so far.
The match was framed as a showdown between Estevao and Lamine Yamal, both born in 2007, with Yamal just three months older. Barcelona's Raphinha praised the duo: “Lamine Yamal and Estevao are on the right track to be the best talents in their countries and clubs... They are talents that are going to fly very high for a lot of years.”
An anonymous football agent highlighted Estevao's potential: “His rise in South America has been immense. He is rated as the best young talent in South America... It’s giving me Vinicius Junior vibes. He’s got the potential to become a world-class performer.”
Estevao, a regular for Brazil's national team after winning Serie A with Palmeiras in 2023, has made four Premier League starts under coach Enzo Maresca. His display has intensified calls from Chelsea fans for more opportunities.