Chelsea secured their place in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras despite future signing Estevao Willian’s goal against the Blues.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring after 16 minutes at Lincoln Financial Field, with Estevao, who will head to Stamford Bridge after the conclusion of the tournament, levelling early in the second half.
But with seven minutes of normal time remaining, Malo Gusto’s cross deflected off Giay Agustin and past the Palmeiras goalkeeper to secure the victory and their place in the final four.
Chelsea will face another Brazilian side in Fluminense in the semi-finals following their 2-1 win over Al-Hilal.
Chelsea win but Estevao steals headlines
While Chelsea eventually got the win they expected, many of the post-match headlines will go the way of 18-year-old Estevao who gave Blues fans an exciting taste of what to come in front of his new club.
The Brazil international will now complete a move to Chelsea, in a deal that could be worth £52m, and on the basis of this performance, looks ready to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge despite his tender age.
His 53rd-minute goal was brilliantly taken, controlling a low ball across from the right before taking another touch and firing in at the near post off the underside of the bar.
FROM A NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE ANGLE!
ESTÊVÃO scores a massive goal, first one in the tournament and against the club he’s joining!@Palmeiras 1 – @ChelseaFC 1 pic.twitter.com/CQpkWky1K0
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025
It was not only a perfect way to bow 0ut from boyhood club Palmeiras but also the perfect way to give manager-to-be Enzo Maresca a nudge to include him in his plans from the off next season.
Estevao will not be short of competition in that regard, however, with new £60million arrival Joao Pedro coming on for his debut in the second half, with a move for wide forward Jamie Gittens recently confirmed by Borussia Dortmund.
Maresca: Estevao scores on perfect night
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night.
“He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world is that you need to adapt.
“We are going to help him to adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea.”
