Palmeiras To Estevoo: Help Us Beat Chelsea Then Join Them

JAKARTA - Palmeiras manager, Abel Ferreira, has told teenage winger Estevoo to show his talent against Chelsea on Saturday, July 5, 2025, WIB, in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup.

Ferreira wants the attacker to help Palmeiras get rid of Chelsea, who is an Estevoo club next season.

The high-ranking winger was recruited by Chelsea last year in an agreement reported by ESPN for an initial value of 34 million euros ($40 million) in addition to performance that has the potential to make the total reach around 67 million euros ($78.8 million).

After staying in Brazil this season, he will join the Premier League team in July 2025 after the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.

All eyes will be on the 18-year-old when Palmeiras faces Chelsea in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia.

Ferreira calls Estevoo an extraordinary child. Even in an unusual situation, he remains committed to Palmeiras until the end of the tournament.

"As long as he is with us, he has a duty and commitment to be fulfilled. After that, he will be free to return to Chelsea."

"Until then, he will give his best, and there is no better way to say goodbye than to help us at the 2025 Club World Cup."

"I hope he gives his best so that Chelsea can see all his potential and quality. This will be an opportunity for him to show all his talent," Ferreira said at a press conference on Thursday, July 3, 2025, local time.

Ferreira admits that his team is facing a tough struggle against the winners of the 2021 UEFA Champions League and the 2024/2025 UEFA Conference League champions.

"Saying that Chelsea is better than Palmeiras just being realistic. They come here and buy our best players."

"What else can I say? However, no one plays alone in my team. We run, fight, suffer, and win for each other," he said.

Chelsea came to the game at Lincoln Financial Field as a tough favorite, with squads full of international stars despite losing midfielder Moises Caicedo to suspension.

Palmeiras will rely on Estevoo and their team's cohesiveness to overcome all obstacles in a promising match that will be exciting, hoping to deliver another surprise victory in the tournament after Al Hilal and Fluminense each eliminated Manchester City and Inter Milan in the last 16.

"The fact that Chelsea is a favorite doesn't mean that we also don't have weapons and ambitions. We have to face opponents according to our abilities, strategy and game plans," Ferreira said.

Meanwhile, Estevoo admitted earlier in the tournament that the situation had turned his attention.

"It's hard to balance my emotions in playing my last game for Palmeiras while also thinking about my future at Chelsea," he said.

The admission drew criticism from supporters Palmeiras and local media, but Ferreira defended him after the incident, saying it was natural to feel nervous and more anxious in this kind of match.

Although his talent is undeniable, the teenager has not scored a goal or recorded an assist in the 2025 Club World Cup.

Ahead of the match, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca was also asked about Estevoo's presence as the main character in the Palmeiras attack.

"We are preparing to fight Palmeiras, not just Estevoo. We don't care if he is with us after the tournament ends, we only think about them because they are a big team."

"I haven't spoken to him since he joined Chelsea. I met his family at the training ground, they are a good family."

"However, we will talk about Estevoo's future after the tournament ends. He is a talented player, but he is currently a Palmeiras player," said Maresca.