Cole Palmer Shares His Words to Estêvão After Club World Cup Clash

In what turned out to be his farewell appearance for Palmeiras, 18-year-old Estêvão Willian impressed against his future team, Chelsea, during the Club World Cup quarterfinals. He scored a stunning goal to temporarily level the match before the London side secured a 2-1 win thanks to an own goal by Agustín Giay.

Despite the loss, Estêvão was named Man of the Match, a recognition echoed by Chelsea players who approached him after the final whistle. Among them was Cole Palmer, who had opened the scoring and took a moment to speak to the young Brazilian.

“He’s a top player. Everyone saw it tonight,” said Palmer, later revealing what he whispered to Estêvão. “I told him we’re excited for his arrival, but he didn’t understand a single word,” he laughed.

The €60 million signing will join Chelsea in August, after a short break. In tears, Estêvão said goodbye to Palmeiras fans: “My heart is broken. I hope they won’t forget me, because I never will.”

The Blues had been tracking Estêvão since his breakout at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, where he delivered three goals and three assists. Even his coach, Abel Ferreira, left no doubts: “Estêvão is something I’ve never seen before in my career.”