Every promising young attacker is graded on a scale of one to Lionel Messi.
The two teenagers at the top of the scale are Lamine Yamal, who is already a global superstar, and Chelsea’s Estevao Willian.
Yamal, like Argentina great Messi, came from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.
Estevao was grudgingly dubbed ‘Messinho’ – translated as ‘little Messi’ – for his performances in Brazil’s top division, and he has begun impressively since joining Chelsea during the summer Club World Cup. He transferred after his 18th birthday, signing a pre-contract in May 2024 to join from Palmeiras for £29 million, with add-ons worth up to £51 million.
According to public records, Tuesday’s Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge will be Yamal’s first official match against Estevao. The 18-year-olds were born three months apart in 2007.
They are currently regarded as the two most valuable youngsters in world football; according to CIES Football Observatory, external Yamal is worth a stunning £307.4 million, with Estevao second but considerably behind at £103.8 million.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is one of the few people who can draw comparisons between the two forwards.
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He has played with both and marked Estevao at the Club World Cup, when the winger made his farewell appearance for Palmeiras. He will now be faced with shackling his international teammate Yamal on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella stated:
“I believe both of them are very outstanding players. They have a lot of talent, are always looking for the ball, and can take on defenders one on one. They are players with the ability to make game decisions.
“The difference now is that Lamine has played in Europe for a few years. If Estevao continues to improve, I believe he will be able to reach Lamine’s level. They appreciate the game, the ball, and the opportunity to express themselves.
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