In brief
Estevao Willian, sometimes known as “Messinho,” got his moniker because of the way he plays, which is similar to that of the Argentine legend.
Prominent European teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City, PSG, and Barcelona are actively keeping an eye on the 17-year-old’s development.
It’s likely that anyone hoping to sign “Messinho” will need to pay his £52 million release clause.
Brazil has a history of generating some of the world’s top young attacking players. After all, players like Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Neymar have made their national team debuts while still teenagers.
Endrick has been the town’s talker most recently. The 17-year-old is expected to join Real Madrid in the summer after scoring his first goal for his nation in March. The Sao Paulo-based team has discovered another young superstar with the potential to become the best after succeeding at Palmeiras.
Estevao Willian, who goes by “Messinho,” is his name. Some of the biggest teams in Europe have taken notice of the young player, who has only made 14 senior games for his club. Here is everything you need to know about Brazil’s newest craze, which has a nickname that will be difficult to forget.
‘Messinho’s’ Career So Far
The youngster has played for Brazil’s U17’s
Willian, who was born in Franca, São Paulo, began his career with Cruzeiro, four-time Brazilian champions, before moving to Palmeiras in 2021. He first agreed to a trainee contract, but soon after, he signed a professional one.
The forward has made 19 appearances for Palmeiras’ under-20 team thus far, tallying three assists and six goals. Due to his success at the junior level, he was promoted to the senior squad and made his debut in July 2023. Since then, he has made 14 appearances and contributed four goals, including the game-winning goal against Botafogo in stoppage time. “Messinho” has scored three goals in five games while playing for the Brazil under-17 team.
‘Messinho’s’ Style of Play
The teenager has been labeled as the Brazilian Messi
The child’s nickname will not surprise anyone because he plays like one of the greatest football players in history, Lionel Messi. Joao Paulo Sampaio, the manager of Palmeiras’ youth team, has even acknowledged that the player dislikes the infamous moniker, but it is because of their shared characteristics.
“Estevao is his favourite. Messinho’s game is very similar to the Argentine’s, but that was put on hold.
Like the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at the beginning of his career, the teenage sensation frequently plays on the right-hand side. He has, however, occasionally played in more central positions as a number 10 and a striker. With his low centre of gravity and explosive speed, “Messinho,” who is only 5′ 7″, is hard to get rid of.
Interest in ‘Messinho’
Some of the biggest names in Europe have their eyes on the teenager
Estevao Willian has several suitors throughout Europe, and two Premier League teams are reportedly among the top candidates.
According to the Sun, Chelsea, guided by Mauricio Pochettino, has made two unsuccessful attempts to entice the adolescent to Stamford Bridge but is still determined to sign the young sensation. According to Football London, Arsenal, a local competitor, is also very interested in signing the Brazilian. With Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in attack and a strong Brazilian contingent already present at the club, there is anticipation that Willian will join their already impressive lineup.
The Daily Mail claims that Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona are also interested, so the attention doesn’t stop there. ‘Messinho’ has stated that playing for the Catalan club is his ambition, and the latter would love for the adolescent to become their new Neymar, whom they bought back in 2013.
“To be a member of Barcelona, one of the world’s top teams. My dream is to play for Barcelona as Neymar, Messi, and Luis Suarez did when I was born.
The winger’s contract expires in 2026 and has a £52 million release clause, so it doesn’t seem probable that he will stay in Brazil for very long. He aspires to follow in the footsteps of a long history of distinguished Brazilian talent who will captivate admirers worldwide.
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