Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has moved to cool down the growing hype around teenage sensation Estevão after the Brazilian produced a breathtaking solo goal in Tuesday night’s 3–0 Champions League win over Barcelona.
The 18-year-old winger stole the spotlight during the clash of Europe’s brightest young talents, outperforming Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and helping Chelsea secure their third victory in five league-phase matches.
Estevão’s standout moment came just 10 minutes after the break. Picking up the ball on the right flank, he danced past two Barcelona defenders before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner of Joan Garcia’s net. The goal marked his 10th strike of the season for club and country, only months into his first year at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s opener came via an own goal by Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, while substitute Liam Delap sealed the win with a late finish. Barcelona’s difficult night was compounded when captain Ronald Araújo received a second yellow card and was sent off in the closing stages.
After the match, Maresca was asked whether Estevão’s brilliance reminded him of Lionel Messi. The Italian coach dismissed the comparison, saying the goal instead resembled one the youngster scored for Palmeiras against Chelsea during the Club World Cup in July.
Maresca stressed the need to shield his young star from unnecessary pressure.
“Estevão and Lamine are only 18. When you start talking about Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, it puts too much pressure on boys their age,” he said.
“They need to enjoy football, come to training happy. Comparing them to Messi or Ronaldo isn’t fair.”
Estevão, who was loudly celebrated by Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge, described the night as “the best moment” of his career.
“I don’t even have the words to explain how I feel,” he told Amazon Prime. “It was the perfect night. I’m grateful to God for everything.”
“From the moment I arrived, I connected with the fans. I’m just happy I could score for them and make them happy. I hope to keep doing that.”
Despite the buzz surrounding the Brazilian wonderkid, Maresca insisted Estevão’s playing time will continue to depend solely on the club’s tactical needs.
“Tonight, in what was probably our toughest game of the season, we chose to start Estevão. I’m not a manager who denies young players minutes,” he said.
“It’s always the game plan that decides the starting eleven.”
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