Veteran Brazilian star Neymar has praised Chelsea’s upcoming recruit Estevao Willian as a “genius” for his football skill.
Willian is set to join the Premier League side from Palmeiras in July 2025 for a reported €61.5 million.
His impressive run of form at his club has already garnered high praise for him, with the latest coming from Brazil’s football icon Neymar.
The 17-year-old forward has been brilliant at youth level before recently making the leap to Palmeiras’ first team.
“He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today,” Neymar remarked. “I think he’s going to be a genius.”
Neymar’s prediction of Estêvão comes as the young star prepares for a major career move outside his home country to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, is currently sidelined with a knee injury and will miss the Copa América.
In his absence, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are expected to spearhead Brazil’s attack.
Commenting on Brazil’s prospects in the tournament, Neymar said, “Brazil’s key player? For me, I think it’s Rodrygo.
“Vini [Vinícius] will play everything he knows but I think Rodrygo is very different. He’s a star and the No. 10 shirt will definitely bring him a lot of luck.”
The Brazilian No. 10 shirt is iconic for the famous names that have donned it, including legends like Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar himself.
