Palmeiras teenage sensation Estêvão Willian has been recognized as the Breakthrough Player and Best Striker in Brazil’s top flight, providing a personal highlight despite his team’s title disappointment.
The young winger, who is set to join Chelsea when he turns 18 in 2025, ended the Brazilian Serie A season as the league’s third-highest scorer with 13 goals. Since being promoted to the first team in January, he also contributed nine assists in 31 league games.
However, the individual accolades offered little comfort after Palmeiras failed to defend their league title. A surprise 1-0 home loss to Fluminense on the final day meant Palmeiras finished as runners-up to Botafogo, who secured the title for the first time since 1995 with a 2-1 victory over Sao Paulo.
Estêvão expressed his disappointment, telling reporters there was “a void in my chest” as the title was the most important thing. Despite the team’s failure, the 17-year-old Brazilian international acknowledged the unforgettable experience and his personal maturity gained this season
