Chelsea youngster Estêvão’s performance in Brazil’s 5-0 win over South Korea on Friday drew praise both at home and abroad. Comparisons with Neymar once again resurfaced.
The wonderkid scored twice in Seoul and was named man of the match in what was another strong step toward the 2026 World Cup.
He opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with a calm finish following a pinpoint assist from Bruno Guimarães, before adding his second early in the second half. That came after pressing high and capitalising on a defensive error. Rodrygo scored twice, while Vinícius Junior sealed the result.
As relayed by local outlet Terra, during a TV broadcast, Brazilian commentator Bruno Formiga went as far as to claim the 18-year-old’s breakthrough season (2024/25) was better than Neymar’s at Santos.
“The first professional season of Estêvão. If you look at the numbers and his involvement, he fought to be the best player in the league. And Chelsea was so fast to secure him,” said Formiga.
“He fought for the Brazilian league title, led in assists and goals at some point. So his first year as a professional is better than Neymar’s first.”
The comparison is bound to fuel debate in both Brazil and England. Chelsea fans eagerly await to see if their prodigy can carry his Selecão form into the Premier League.
