BRAZIL
Who is Endrick’s new partner, Messinho?
Palmeiras youngster Estêvão Willian, nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, has been was one of the break-through stars of the U-17 World Cup.
Estêvão Willian, better known as Messinho, dazzled at the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
The 16-year-old starred for Brazil on their journey to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by rivals Argentina. Messinho contributed three goals and three assists in the tournament, including a stunning free-kick in the win over Ecuador.
Back home in Brazil, Estêvão is a member of the Palmeiras youth team that has recently brought through Real Madrid-bound forward Endrick. In the aftermath of Messinho’s U-17 exploits, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira has called the youngster up for the match against América-MG on Wednesday.
“Day to be happy. May God bless us,” Messinho wrote on social media after the news was announced.
Messinho could be Palmeiras’ Endrick replacement
Estêvão is the latest talent to emerge from Palmeiras’ academy and looks set to replace Endrick, who is still just 17 years old. Endrick has already penned a deal with Real Madrid that will see him move to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2024.
Endrick has forced his way into the Palmeiras team this season and has shown incredible potential, even breaking through for the senior Brazil team during the November international break. But while Endrick’s departure will be a blow for the club, Palmeiras believe that Estêvão has the potential to become one of the best players in the world in the next decade.
The 16-year-old trained with the senior Palmeiras team on Monday as part of a reduced session. Head coach Abel Ferreira opted to rest those who played in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against against Fortaleza, meaning that Endrick was absent. Palmeiras are currently leading the Brasileirão standings with just three games to play.
Estêvão has already made his debut with Palmeiras’ U-20 team and signed his first professional contract last April. That deal ties him to Palmeiras until 2026 but includes a release clause of €45 million.
His performances at youth level have already brought interest from major clubs in Europe and he has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona. According to Brazilian media, Palmeiras have already rejected an offer from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.