'He's like Lamine Yamal' – Chelsea-bound Willian 'Messinho' Estevao compared to Barcelona star by Ronaldo Nazario – who predicts Brazilian will become 'very big star'

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario compared future Chelsea star Estevao Willian to Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal.

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• Ronaldo praises Chelsea-bound 'Messinho'
• Draws comparison with Yamal
• Will join the Blues next summer

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues have secured an agreement for the young star in a deal reportedly worth £56 million ($73 million). He will join the London club in July 2025 from Palmeiras, shortly after he turns 18. In the 2024/25 season, Willian has performed consistently for the Brazilian giants. In October, he broke Neymar’s record for goal contributions by a 17-year-old in Brazil’s top flight, achieving 17 contributions compared to Neymar’s 16 in 2009 while at Santos.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As Chelsea wait to welcome the Brazilian wonderkid, former Real Madrid and Barcelona star and Brazil icon Ronaldo predicted that the 17-year-old has the potential to become a huge star in the future as he drew comparisons between the Palmeiras sensation and Blaugrana star Lamine Yamal.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  Speaking to journalist , the ex-Selecao star said: "He's a young player and very talented. He's kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football. He's very promising and at just 17. I think he'll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO WILLAIN?

  The teenager is currently in action for Palmeiras, who play their final game of the Brazilian Serie A season. Palmeiras will have to win the match by a margin of at least two goals and then hope Botafogo lose their final match against Sao Paulo in order to lift the league title.