‘They Are Very Similar’ – Enzo Maresca Compares Wonderkid Estevao To Cole Palmer After Champions League Masterclass

A New Hero Emerges For Chelsea

Chelsea fans witnessed the dawn of a new era as Estevao, the £29 million signing from Palmeiras, delivered a sensational performance in the Champions League that left both Ajax and the fans at Stamford Bridge stunned.

The Brazilian teenager made history by becoming Chelsea’s youngest-ever scorer in the Champions League, converting a calm penalty just before half-time. The atmosphere shifted every time he touched the ball — electric, expectant, and filled with promise.

Earlier, Marc Guiu had opened the scoring, briefly holding the record as Chelsea’s youngest Champions League scorer at 19 years and 291 days. But that record lasted just minutes before Estevao, at 18 years and 181 days, rewrote the history books.

The night of youth didn’t stop there. When Tyrique George came off the bench to score within three minutes, Chelsea became the first club ever to have three different teenagers score in a single Champions League match.

Maresca’s Big Comparison: “He’s Very Similar To Cole Palmer”

Speaking after the game, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca couldn’t hide his pride and excitement.

“It’s exciting to see him,” Maresca told TNT Sports. “Sometimes with young players, they have one good game and think they’re already at the top. But Estevao is polite, humble, and wants to learn. His family is doing a big job — we’re very happy, not just with his performance but with who he is as a person.”

Maresca believes Estevao’s best position will evolve over time, much like Cole Palmer’s did.

“For me, he’s very, very similar to Cole. I had Cole at Manchester City Under-23s, and they’re very alike. Cole started wide because he needed more physicality; now he’s playing inside. Estevao will be the same — wide for now, but an inside player in the future.”

In his post-match press conference, Maresca continued:

“He’s a special player, but we must be careful. He’s just starting out. I feel lucky to be his manager because it’s exciting to watch players like Cole and Estevao — players who make fans pay for tickets just to see them play.”

Joe Cole Adds: “He Gives Me Neymar Vibes”

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole was full of admiration for Estevao’s creativity and flair on TNT Sports.

“He’s brilliant — such a good watch,” Cole said. “He gives me Neymar vibes. He’s got that balance, that flair. From his very first game, he had the crowd on their feet. He’s one of those players you just love watching.”

The Future Is Bright At Stamford Bridge

Maresca didn’t stop there — he handed a Champions League debut to 17-year-old Reggie Walsh, making him the youngest player in Chelsea’s history to feature in the competition, and the second youngest Englishman ever, behind Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere.

By full time, ten Chelsea players aged 21 or younger had featured in the match — a bold statement about the club’s trust in youth.

With an average starting age of 22 years and 163 days, this was Chelsea’s second-youngest Champions League lineup ever, signalling a bright and fearless new chapter in the club’s European journey.

At Sports Market International, we celebrate the stories shaping football’s future — from wonderkids rewriting records to managers bold enough to trust them. Stay tuned for more from the best sports blog covering the global sports market and the stars defining the next generation.