I Think Estêvão Willian Is Going To Be A Genius – Says Neymar Jr

Brazil star, Neymar Jr, has predicted Palmeiras teenage forward, Estêvão Willian, “will be a genius.”

Estêvão will join Chelsea in July 2025 on a permanent transfer from Palmeiras to Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth €61.5 million ($66m).

The 17-year-old showcased his talent at the youth level for Palmeiras and earned a first-team promotion earlier this year.

”He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today,” Neymar said of Estêvão. “I think he’s going to be a genius.”

Due to Brazil’s leading goal scorer of all time, Neymar, being sidelined with a knee injury for Copa América, the in-form duo of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo from Real Madrid are anticipated to lead Brazil’s attack efforts.

“Brazil’s key player? For me I think it’s Rodrygo,” Neymar said. “Vini [Vinícius] will play everything he knows but I think Rodrygo is very different. He’s a star and the no. 10 shirt will bring him a lot of luck.”

Rodrygo will wear the No.10 jersey for Brazil at Copa América, a shirt that has previously been worn by legendary players such as Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.

“I know my responsibility, I know that every day I have to be better,” Rodrygo said.

“I know that the eyes of the whole world will be on me there with that t-shirt, so I’m prepared to continue doing things well to respond to what they expect.”

“I always try to make this clear to him [Neymar], that even though I’m wearing the No.10 shirt now, it’s his shirt. I’m just substituting for a moment. People are waiting for him to return.”