(foto: Posnetek zaslona)
A funny moment followed Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Palmeiras as Cole Palmer welcomed future teammate Estevao—who didn’t understand a word and needed a translator on the spot.
Chelsea fans got a glimpse of the future last night—and a funny reminder that football still has its light-hearted moments. After the Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, Cole Palmer tried to welcome Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian... but the Brazilian teenager had no idea what he was saying.
Estevao, also known as “Messinho” in Brazil, was electric in the match. The 18-year-old winger scored a goal, earned Man of the Match honors, and proved exactly why Chelsea moved quickly to secure his signature. Once the tournament ends, he’s expected to travel back to London with his future teammates.
After the final whistle, Palmer approached Estevao to greet him and offer a warm welcome to Stamford Bridge. But the cute exchange quickly turned comical as Estevao, smiling and confused, didn’t understand a word of English.
The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral. Fortunately, Dario Essugo, Chelsea’s young Portuguese midfielder who joined earlier this year, stepped in as translator. Fluent in both Portuguese and English, Essugo bridged the gap and helped the two young stars connect—a role he may be playing more often going forward.
Estevao had a breakout year at Palmeiras, recording 12 goals and five assists in the 2024/25 season. He typically plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder and is considered one of the most promising talents in South American football.
Despite the language barrier, Estevao already feels part of Chelsea’s future. And with Palmer and Essugo by his side, he’s sure to feel at home soon—both on and off the pitch.