Estevao Willian showed his true colours just moments before stepping onto the international stage. The 17-year-old winger became the second-youngest player to debut for Brazil this century after Endrick on Friday night as Seleção Canarinho enjoyed a 1-0 win over Ecuador.
Rodrygo fired his country ahead inside the opening half-hour with a deflected strike from outside the box. Eager to double his side’s lead in a crucial World Cup qualifier, Dorival Júnior brought on Estevao for Luiz Henrique.
The teenage sensation, who will join Chelsea next summer after the Blues agreed a deal with Palmeiras worth an initial £29m, plus performance-related add-ons, enjoyed a brief cameo at the Couto Pereira Stadium. Shortly after coming on, Estevao created Brazil’s only big chance of the tie, winning an aerial duel.
He leaped above his marker and played Vinicius Jr. in behind the Ecuador backline with a glancing header. As the Real Madrid talisman darted after the ball, he was stalled by Félix Torres before rounding the goalkeeper and striking the side-netting.
Estevao couldn’t add to Brazil’s lead, but he certainly relished the occasion. Just moments before making his debut, the Chelsea wonderkid was spotted in the dugout with his head in his hands, cushioned by his shirt.
It’s unclear whether he was praying or simply feeling emotional, but he certainly made a great impression when he came on. This season, Estevao has featured 21 times for Palmeiras in the Brazilian top flight, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.