"I REALL BELIEVE IN MY POTENTIAL"

At 18, Chelsea new boy Estevao has already thrilled crowds at Palmeiras the winger talks to FFT about his move to England, and needing a translator app to converse with Cole Palmer...

- Caio Carrieri

On a sweltering summer night at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, the date of December 6, 2023 became etched into Palmeiras' history. The Verdao sealed back-to-back Brazilian league titles in the most dramatic fashion you could ever imagine, clawing back a seemingly insurmountable 14-point deficit to overhaul Botafogo in a title race that will live long in the memory.

It was a night of triumph, of legacy, and perhaps, of prophecy. Palmeiras the Sao Paulo giants once created by Italian working-class immigrants, who moved to Brazil in the early 20th century - stretched their record haul to 12 national titles, four more than their nearest rivals Santos. But that night wasn't just about silverware. It was the coming of age of Endrick.

Still just 17, the Real Madrid-bound phenom delivered 11 goals in 31 appearances, including the hugely important opener of the 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro on that Cruzeiro on that evening in Belo Horizonte to seal the crown. The spotlight, rightly, belonged to him.

But while Endrick basked in the glow of destiny fulfilled, a new wonderkid quietly stepped onto the stage.

In the 78th minute, Estevao a name whispered among Brazilian scouts since he was 10 - made his professional debut at 16 years and eight months of age, becoming the fourth youngest player to turn out for Palmeiras in their 111-year history.

Six months later, the left-footed right winger was sold to Chelsea in a deal that could become the most expensive transfer ever completed by a Brazilian club: £38m up front, potentially rising to £52m with add-ons.

He'd have to wait a year before joining his new club, until he'd turned 18 - this summer's Club World Cup in the United States was his last dance for Palmeiras.