Chelsea supporters have every reason to smile after Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti praised their talented young winger, Estevão. At just eighteen years old, the former Palmeiras prospect is already making significant waves at Stamford Bridge. The only thing smaller than his age might be the space he needs to leave his mark on a match—yes, that was a playful attempt at humor.
Estevão’s Promising Start at Chelsea
Signed last summer following a June 2024 announcement, Estevão has showcased moments of genuine brilliance, even as Enzo Maresca takes a cautious approach to his playing time. One of his standout performances came during a thrilling 2-1 win over Liverpool, where he scored the decisive goal. This moment was a glimpse of what Chelsea fans have long hoped for: a spark of youthful creativity capable of turning tight contests in their favor.
Estevão Shines on the International Stage
When Brazil faced Senegal at the Emirates Stadium, Ancelotti gave Estevão a starting berth, and the young winger repaid the coach’s trust in style. He opened the scoring midway through the first half, showcasing the composure of a seasoned pro. Just seven minutes later, Casemiro doubled the advantage, and Brazil comfortably secured a 2-0 victory. The match served as the perfect stage for Estevão to demonstrate his immense potential on the international scene.
Ancelotti’s High Praise
In his post-match comments, Ancelotti did not hold back. He highlighted Estevão’s “incredible amount of talent” and expressed surprise at the level he has reached so early in his career. The coach praised the youngster’s finishing skills, his flashes of “magic,” and, crucially, his strong work ethic. “With Estevão, Brazil has a guaranteed future,” he declared, adding that both his national team and Chelsea are fortunate to have such a gifted player who only needs limited minutes to shine.
Chelsea’s Financial Strategies
Meanwhile, back in west London, Chelsea’s hierarchy is looking beyond the pitch to bolster the club’s finances. Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their £4.25 billion takeover in May 2022, the search for new revenue streams has been relentless.
One intriguing initiative currently on offer is a private dinner in the home dressing room at Stamford Bridge, priced at £16,000 for up to 30 guests. This novel experience seeks to capitalize on the club’s prime location in one of London’s wealthiest districts.
A New Era in Football Finance
Clubs increasingly need to think like savvy investors, diversifying income rather than relying solely on ticket sales or broadcast deals. Chelsea’s dressing-room dinner package may raise eyebrows, but it highlights a broader truth: football now involves as much off-field ingenuity as on-field flair. After splashing out £16,000 for a night among the lockers, participants might just need to auction off their match-worn shirts to balance the books.
Chelsea fans have a lot to be excited about—both on and off the pitch. As Estevão continues to develop, he may indeed become a key figure for the club and a symbol of a promising future.