Biography
- Full name: Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves
- Date of birth: April 24, 2007 (age 18)
- Place of birth: Franca, São Paulo, Brazil
- Height: 1.76 m (5′9″)
Family & Early Life
Born in Franca, Estêvão began his football journey with Cruzeiro’s youth academy in 2017. At just 10 years old, he became the youngest Brazilian ever to sign a contract with Nike—surpassing Rodrygo’s record. In 2021, he moved to Palmeiras’ youth setup, quickly claiming multiple trophies at under-15 and under-17 levels.
Club Career
Palmeiras (2023–2025)
- Senior debut: December 2023, age 16 years 8 months—Palmeiras vs Cruzeiro in Série A
- First senior goal: April 12, 2024, vs Liverpool Montevideo in Copa Libertadores
- 2023–24 season totals: 31 league apps, 13 goals; plus 45 apps and 15 goal contributions overall
- 2025 stats (to June): 11 league apps, 4 Copa Libertadores goals, overall 33 apps, 11 goals and assists combined
Achievements with Palmeiras:
- Brazilian Série A champion (2023)
- São Paulo state champion (2024)
Accolades:
- Série A Best Newcomer & in Team of the Year (2024)
- Bola de Ouro 2024
Chelsea (Signed for July 2025)
- Chelsea agreed a record €61 million deal in June 2024, with €34 m upfront and €27 m in performance incentives
- A nine-year contract (until 2033) begins once he turns 18
International Career
- Represented Brazil U17 with 5 caps and 3 goals in 2023
- Made senior Brazil debut on September 6, 2024 vs Ecuador, becoming the second-youngest Brazil debutant of the century
- Earned 5 senior caps to date
Playing Style
- A left-footed winger or attacking midfielder known for explosive dribbling, vision, and set-piece capability
- Earned the nickname “Messinho” reminiscent of Messi due to his skill, though he’s keen to forge his own identity
- Demonstrated maturity, mental resilience, and an eye for goal—he’s the first under‑18 since Messi/Neymar to record 20+ combined goals and assists in Brazil
Personal Life & Net Worth
- Parents: Ivo Gonçalves and Dona Zeze
- No public information on a girlfriend
- Net worth: Estimated at US $4 million
Career Stats (Senior Club)
| Club | Apps | Goals + Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Palmeiras | 62 | 18 goals (by June 2025) |
| Chelsea | 0 | – (yet to debut) |
Transfers
- Youth move from Cruzeiro to Palmeiras in May 2021.
- Signed to Chelsea in July 2025 under a €61 million deal structured with performance add‑ons.
Summary
At just 18, Estêvão has already established himself as one of Brazil’s brightest young talents. Record-breaking performances in the Brasileirão, early senior national team caps, and a blockbuster move to Chelsea set him on a path to become a global star. With his blend of talent, mentality, and ambition, the football world is eagerly watching his next steps.
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