When Estevão Willian talks about his first months at Chelsea, there is a sense of relief mixed with excitement. The 18-year-old arrived from Palmeiras with a lot of curiosity about what life in London would feel like, and his early form has been a major talking point. SoftFootball recently covered Maresca’s delight with the youngster, as he claims he’s lucky to have him. Also, his strong showings for Brazil in games like the 5-0 win over South Korea were also highlighted.
As he reflected on his journey so far, he grouped his thoughts together with a smile. He admitted that he had spent more than a year imagining what the move would be like and wondering whether he would settle easily. His answer was simple, as seen in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.
He said:
My start at Chelsea has been much better than I expected. I was wondering for a year and a half about how it would feel to be here, but I’ve adapted quickly, I’ve been able to play, I’ve adapted well inside and outside of the club, I am very happy.
His debut came against Crystal Palace on August 16, 2025, and although he only entered the match from the bench, he played with a freedom that suggested he belonged. A few days later he started against West Ham, set up a goal for Enzo Fernández and left supporters wanting more. That confidence carried into Europe, where he became Chelsea’s youngest scorer in a Champions League match during the fixture against Ajax.
Inside the dressing room, teammates have been impressed. Marc Cucurella pointed out how calm he looks for someone his age, while Maresca has continued to give him opportunities even in pressure situations. SoftFootball previously reported on the night he helped beat Liverpool with a late winner at Stamford Bridge.
Estevão often speaks about confidence being the real foundation of his progress. He knows football in England is faster and far more physical than what he grew up with in Brazil, but he also feels protected by the players around him. Off the pitch, life has been steady. His family is close by, his sister has settled into school, and he has started exploring parts of London whenever training allows. He still misses the food back home, especially beans, but says he is learning to enjoy everything the city offers.
Nothing about his tone suggests pressure. Instead, it feels like he is enjoying each moment as it comes. And with his manager already predicting he will be one of Chelsea’s important players for years to come, his story is only beginning.
