Jose Mourinho picks Chelsea's next great player

Robin Bairner

2 Oct 2025 04:01 CDT
3 min read

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has earmarked one Blues star who has the potential to reach the very top after Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica.

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Mourinho remains a popular figure at Stamford Bridge and found his name being chanted just minutes into that clash, despite being in the dugout of the Portuguese side as head coach.

Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Richard Rios own goal but after the game, Mou said that he was left impressed by the performance of Estevao.

STATS

Estêvão

F, M (R)

Chelsea

Estêvão

F, M (R)

Chelsea

8

Games
0

Goals
1

Assists

Mourinho on Estevao

The 18-year-old Brazilian came on early in the second half to play 36 minutes. It was his eighth appearance since arriving at the Blues from Palmeiras in the summer, and though he has yet to score, Mourinho sees the promise in the teenager.

“Estevao is a talent. People might think he would take a while to adapt due to his youth, immaturity, and the competition he faces at Chelsea, but he's here, playing at a higher level, and is a player with great potential,” he said, according to Chelsea News.

Estevao struggled to have a direct impact against Benfica, managing only 14 touches during his time on the field, during which he played as an attacking midfielder. He did catch the eye, however, with three successful take-ons, while he also had one shot on target.

He already has 27 senior goals to his name thanks to his time with Palmeiras in Brazil, which prompted the Blues to spend £39.2m (€45m) on him.

Now the teenage South American can look forward to more game time in the coming weeks, with Joao Pedro’s dismissal potentially opening the door for him to make a more prominent outing against Ajax in Chelsea’s next Champions League outing.

With the Dutch side still pointless in the competition, Estevao will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet and breaking his Chelsea duck.

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