Manchester City star Erling Haaland has once again proven that he not only dominates on the pitch but also recognizes talent when he sees it. After Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estêvão Willian delivered a jaw-dropping winning goal against Liverpool, Haaland couldn’t hide his admiration. The Norwegian striker took to social media shortly after the match, calling the 17-year-old Brazilian a “wonderkid” — a term that carries weight when spoken by one of the most feared goal scorers in modern football.
The goal itself was something out of a highlight reel — Estêvão picked up the ball on the right wing, dribbled past two defenders with silky control, and curled a left-footed strike into the top corner, sealing Chelsea’s 2–1 victory at Stamford Bridge. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement. And Haaland, known for his straightforward yet powerful words, made sure to acknowledge it.
“Special talent. Keep working hard, the world is watching,” Haaland posted, followed by a flame emoji — simple, but enough to send football fans into a frenzy. The comment instantly went viral, with Chelsea supporters flooding the replies, praising Haaland’s sportsmanship and declaring Estêvão as “the next big thing.”
Estêvão, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in a high-profile move, has been under the spotlight since arriving in England. Dubbed “Messinho” by Brazilian fans for his dribbling and creativity, he’s already showing signs that the hype was justified. Against Liverpool, under pressure, in front of tens of thousands of fans, he didn’t just perform — he stole the show.
For Haaland to publicly praise a rival player is unusual, but it says a lot about how the new generation of footballers view the game. Respect and recognition now transcend club rivalries. “I love seeing young players with no fear,” Haaland said in a follow-up interview. “He plays with joy, with confidence. That’s what football needs.”
The praise from the Norwegian giant also hints at something deeper — a mutual respect between goal scorers and creators. Haaland, who thrives on precision passes and fearless attacking play, likely sees a bit of himself in Estêvão’s relentless energy and hunger to make an impact.
Chelsea fans, meanwhile, are already dreaming. Could Estêvão become the face of the club’s next golden era? With performances like this, it’s hard to argue otherwise. His maturity on the ball, vision, and flair have drawn comparisons not just to Lionel Messi, but also to Neymar in his early Santos days.
As for Haaland, his comment might just be the ultimate seal of approval — when one of the most dominant footballers on the planet calls you a “wonderkid,” it means you’ve arrived. And for Estêvão Willian, this could be the beginning of a rivalry — or perhaps a friendship — that football fans will be talking about for years to come.
