Chelsea’s Estevao matches Mbappe and Haaland with Champions League feat
On Nov. 25, Chelsea defeated FC Barcelona 3-0 at home in matchday five of the UEFA Champions League. Brazilian player Estevao Willian matched the achievement of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland by scoring one of the goals.
Champions League
Matchday 5, Nov. 25
Chelsea vs. Barcelona: 3-0
Goals: Jules Kounde 27’ (OG), Estevao 55’, Liam Delap 73’
Estevao became the third player under 20 to stand out in each of the first three starting matches of the Champions League, following Mbappe and Haaland, according to Opta. Previously, the 18-year-old winger had scored goals against Ajax and Qarabag FK.
Mbappe achieved this milestone at 18 years and 113 days while playing for Monaco. Estevao is the second youngest player to do so at 18 years and 215 days. Haaland stood out in his first three Champions League starts playing for FC Red Bull Salzburg at 19 years and 107 days.
«I don’t really have any words to sum up how I’m feeling right now. It really was the perfect night. It all happened very quickly for me, it sort of happened before I knew it. I just found some space, wriggled my way through and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more. It was definitely the best moment of my career so far,» the BBC quoted Estevao as saying.
Former Chelsea player Pat Nevin also praised the young Brazilian for his performance:
«The goal’s the bit everyone will see, and it was wonderful in a number of ways. It was just so tight, the footwork, and it’s a brilliant, brilliant finish. But all the other parts of his game—the intelligence, the movement, the picking up of position—he’s a natural. Usually footballers are called natural and they’re not, but it just looks so effortless for him. Some players just move differently to other players, a grace and elegance. It’s beautiful to see,» Nevin told the BBC.
Estevao’s career
Estevao is considered one of the most talented players of his generation. He joined Chelsea in summer 2025 from Palmeiras for €45 million. Over 17 matches, he has scored five goals and provided one assist.
Estevao made his debut for Brazil’s national team last September and has stood out with five goals in 11 matches.
