Carlo Ancelotti says Chelsea are 'lucky to have' Estevao as teenager shines for Brazil against Senegal - 'Has a lot of magic'
By Rhys Jones
Published 16/11/2025 at 17:20 GMT
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Chelsea and Brazil star Estevao scored in the national side's 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium, picking up a player-of-the-match award. Brazil head coach and former Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the young player, saying that both the country and club are lucky to have the 18-year-old, adding that he has an "incredible amount of talent".
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Video credit: SNTV
Carlo Ancelotti told Chelsea they are "lucky" to have Estevao following the teenager's performance in Brazil's 2-0 win over Senegal.
The Blues youngster opened the scoring at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, firing a sweetly struck left-footed shot past former Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy.
The 18-year-old now has seven goals in his last 11 appearances for club and country, and has picked up three Player of the Match awards in his four starts for Brazil.
Brazil manager Ancelotti praised his efforts after another stellar performance for the national team.
"Estevao has an incredible amount of talent. It’s a surprise, this level at his age," the Italian said. "He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic... and he works very hard. I can say this: with Estevao, Brazil have a guaranteed future."
He added: "He’s a very talented player. He is able to show every game, in Chelsea too, and he doesn’t need a lot of minutes to show his quality.
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"He can play five minutes and he can show his quality. I think the Brazil national team is really lucky to have him, and also Chelsea."
Estevao has appeared in 16 matches across all competitions for Chelsea.
But Estevao is producing moments of magic at Stamford Bridge since joining the club this summer, such as the first-time finish against Liverpool that sealed three points.
Against Wolverhampton Wanderers he launched a pinpoint cross for Joao Pedro to pounce on and score from, and he scored a penalty against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League.
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Whilst it was all good news for Blues fans, the friendly brought some concerns for Arsenal as Gabriel was forced off injured after the hour mark.
Ancelotti revealed that the defender had an issue with his adductor, and apologised to the club's fans.
"Bad? I don't know, he had a problem on his adductor, the medical staff have to check tomorrow," Ancelotti explained.
"We are really sorry for this, really disappointed. When players have an injury, I hope they can recover well and soon."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will hope that Gabriel's injury is not serious enough to keep him out for when The Gunners return to action and face Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on November 23.
While Arsenal return to domestic action with a local derby, Estevao's Chelsea travel to Burnley on November 22 for a Premier League clash at Turf Moor.
Following that game with The Clarets, Maresca's Chelsea welcome Spanish giants Barcelona to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League clash on November 25.
Chelsea are sitting in third in the Premier League after 11 games, while they are 12th in the Champions League after four matches.
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