Estêvão celebrates first Champions League goal, dreams of World Cup | OneFootball

After scoring his first goal in the Champions League, Brazilian Estêvão experienced a special night wearing the Chelsea shirt. The 17-year-old forward started in the 5-1 thrashing of Ajax this Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, in the third round of the group stage of the European competition. The former Palmeiras player, who scored the fourth goal for the London team, couldn’t hide his emotion at his first goal in the competition.

“I’m very happy for this first goal in the Champions League. I dreamed a lot about this moment and, thank God, it finally happened. I dedicate it to God and my family, who have always supported me. I feel very fulfilled,” Estêvão told TNT Sports. The striker, who is 18 years old, became the youngest player ever to score for Chelsea in the international competition—curiously, just minutes after Marc Guiu (19 years old) had taken the record.

The forward revealed that he only found out he would be starting a few hours before the match, which increased his anxiety. “I found out I was going to play in the morning, at the meeting. I couldn’t even nap in the afternoon, man. I usually sleep to be at my best, but this time I couldn’t. I’m really happy to be playing for Chelsea and to feel the coach’s trust in me.”

The goal featured a remarkable act of camaraderie within the squad. Argentine Enzo Fernández, who had already scored, gave the penalty kick to the Brazilian.

“I didn’t expect Enzo (Fernández) to let me take it, since he had already scored. But he looked at me and handed me the ball. That shows how united our group is and how much Chelsea has embraced me,” he said.

With the win over Ajax, Chelsea reached six points and occupies 11th place in the Champions League table. The team’s next match is on Saturday, against Sunderland, in the English Championship.

Dreaming of the World Cup with the Brazilian National Team

With Carlo Ancelotti in charge of the Brazilian National Team and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Estêvão didn’t hide his ambition to wear the green and yellow jersey. The forward has been called up in the Italian manager’s recent squads.

“Of course, definitely (I think about the World Cup). I think it’s every player’s goal to be at the World Cup. So, I’m working hard here, fighting every day to give my best in training and, consequently, in the game. It’s everyone’s dream to be at the World Cup. So, for sure, I’ll work hard so that, God willing, I can represent my country.”

Adapting and daily life in England

In his first months in English football, Estêvão humorously shared how the adaptation process has been—on and off the pitch.

“After going the wrong way a few times, now I’m driving well (laughs). I can go to training on my own,” he joked about driving on the left side of the road.

The youngster also commented on learning English, which has been fundamental for his personal and professional growth. “I can already communicate well. At the club, I can talk to everyone. I’m happy with this growth off the pitch, which also helps me on the pitch.”

Cheering for Palmeiras in the Libertadores

Having come through the ranks at Palmeiras, the striker also sent a message to his former teammates, who are playing the Libertadores semifinal against LDU. The first leg takes place this Thursday in Quito, at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time).

“Definitely (Palmeiras will go through). I’m really rooting for them. I message the guys all the time. I’m really happy to see them doing well and standing out in the competitions. I’ll always be cheering for them—I have many brothers there,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.