Chelsea‘s new signing, Estevao Willian, has identified Lionel Messi as his primary football role model, placing him above Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. The talented teenager recently joined his Blues teammates and is quickly becoming one of the most promising young forwards in the sport.
Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar are widely regarded as some of the greatest footballers of all time, inspiring countless aspiring players worldwide. Despite the trio‘s immense achievements, Estevao made it clear in an interview with Estadio that Messi stands out as his key inspiration in football.
Estevao’s Admiration for Messi Over Established Stars
Estevao shared,
“I really like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. But my reference is Messi for everything he has done for football. My biggest dream is to be the best player in the world. One day I’ll be among the best. But I won’t promise that I’ll achieve this in a few years. It will come naturally,”
highlighting his deep respect for the Argentine‘s career and impact.
The young forward has earned the nickname “Messinho” because of his playing style, which closely resembles Messi’s technique. He has also been compared to Neymar, reflecting the high expectations surrounding his future as a potential global football star.
Chelsea secured Estevao’s signing from Palmeiras last year, permitting him to complete the previous season in Brazil. Now, he has officially joined the team’s preparations for the new campaign, already attracting attention during preseason with his performances.
Comparing the Trophy Hauls of Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar
The illustrious careers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar have seen all three win numerous titles across multiple countries and competitions. Neymar’s trophy cabinet includes 30 major titles won with Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Al-Hilal, and the Brazilian national team. His accolades feature the LaLiga trophy, Champions League, Ligue 1 titles, Saudi Pro League, and the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has accumulated 36 trophies throughout a distinguished career with clubs in England, Spain, and Italy, as well as significant triumphs with Portugal. His honors list boasts multiple Champions League titles, league championships, the Euro 2016, and two UEFA Nations League titles.
Lionel Messi leads the trio with a record 46 major trophies. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s collection includes the Champions League, LaLiga crowns, Ligue 1 titles, and notably, the FIFA World Cup victory in 2022, often regarded as football’s ultimate prize.
The Road Ahead for Estevao and His Football Ambitions
Estevao’s open admiration for Lionel Messi underlines the lofty ambitions he holds for his own career. His early comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats suggest that Chelsea views the young forward as a key part of their future. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Estevao to see how he harnesses this inspiration and develops into a leading footballer on the world stage.