Neymar reveals the future Brazilian star

Answering journalists' questions while the Copa America is ongoing, Neymar responded to the question of who the future Brazilian star will be.

Pointing to Estevao, who played alongside Real Madrid's signing Endrick and West Ham's signing Luis Guilherme while at Palmeiras, and who has been snapped up by Chelsea (effective from July 1, 2025), Neymar said, "The star of the future? I think Estevao from Palmeiras is a great talent rising in Brazilian football, I think he will be a genius."

The player, whose full name is Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves, was born on April 24, 2007. Playing on the wing, Estevao holds the title of the youngest Brazilian player to sign a contract with Nike. This title previously belonged to Real Madrid player Rodrygo.

Making his professional debut in the Brazilian Serie A at the age of 16 years and 8 months with Palmeiras, the player earned the title of the 4th youngest player to play in the league in the club's history.

Estevao scored his first goal in a Palmeiras jersey against Liverpool (Ecuador) in the Copa Libertadores. Thus, he became the 3rd footballer to score for Palmeiras under the age of 17, following Angelo Gabriel and Endrick.

Chelsea will pay Palmeiras a transfer fee of 34 million euros plus 23 million euros in performance-based bonuses for Estevao, who will join their squad on July 1, 2025.

Compared to Messi and Neymar, the player was nicknamed "Messinho" due to his playing style being similar to Messi's.