Is Estevao now football’s no. 1 teen talent after outclassing Lamine Yamal?

November 26, 2025 Oliver Obel

The noise inside the stadium had barely settled when it became clear that Marc Cucurella intended to make Yamal’s night uncomfortable.

According to Amazon Prime’s commentary team, the left-back tracked the Barcelona winger step for step, rarely giving him more than half a second on the ball. Yamal, usually so sharp cutting inside on his left foot, spent much of the first half retreating toward midfield in search of space.

Chelsea, meanwhile, fed off the energy. Enzo Maresca’s decision to start Estevao something he has been hesitant to do consistently in Premier League fixturesgave the home side a more direct outlet on the right. The teenager repeatedly went after Alejandro Balde, who looked increasingly unsettled as the half wore on.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, when Cucurella drove a low ball across the six-yard area. Jules Koundé, facing his own goal, turned it into the net under pressure.

Three additional Chelsea goals were ruled out for infringements, but by that point Barcelona had already slipped into damage-limitation mode, especially after going down to ten men shortly before halftime.

Estevao’s defining strike

The moment that sent Stamford Bridge surging to its feet arrived shortly after the hour mark. Estevao drifted into a pocket just inside the box, shifted onto his weaker foot, and hammered a shot into the roof of the net. It was a finish that didn’t look like the work of a teenager.

UEFA’s official match report later confirmed that the goal placed him among rare company: only the third player to score in each of his first three Champions League starts.

After the match, he told Amazon Prime: “It’s the best moment in my career… my family is here, I’m so so happy.” He added that he “found some space and wiggled” through before striking the ball.

Yamal’s night followed a different arc. Diario Sport described his performance as one in which he “ghosted” through long stretches of play. He missed one notable chance and completed few one-on-one attempts before Hansi Flick substituted him in the 80th minute. His frustration was visible the moment he reached the touchline.

Echoes from Chelsea’s past

Gianfranco Zola, watching from the stands, praised Estevao’s maturity. He told Amazon Prime that the teenager “played like somebody older than his age” and highlighted his willingness to attempt difficult actions in tight spaces—something Zola himself was famous for.

Wayne Rooney, analyzing the match for the broadcaster, argued that Maresca’s slow integration of the Brazilian has been “really well” judged, pointing to Estevao’s work rate and positional discipline as signs he is adapting to elite football responsibly, not just explosively.

A missed chance in Madrid

While Chelsea celebrated a breakout performance, the match reopened an uncomfortable topic in Spain. ESPN Brazil reported “growing unease” at Real Madrid over failing to sign Estevao before Chelsea finalized a £29 million agreement with Palmeiras.

The club had hoped at least internally for a possible future pairing of Yamal and Estevao in El Clásico. Instead, it is the Premier League witnessing the early chapters of the Brazilian’s ascent.

Sources: Amazon Prime, Diario Sport, UEFA match report, ESPN Brazil