Estêvão goes from Liverpool-beating hero to watching Chelsea from the bench

Four minutes here, six there, and another handful at the end of a game that was already decided. That has been Estêvão's season in the Premier League so far: just 23 minutes spread across four late substitute appearances. It's a stark contrast to the player who, just a few months ago, had Stamford Bridge chanting his name.

The Brazilian winger, who arrived from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 and delivered a debut campaign to remember, has faded into the background under Xabi Alonso. So far this season he has started just twice, both times in the Carabao Cup, the competition where the manager tends to rotate his squad. In the Premier League, nothing: only late cameos off the bench in the closing minutes, when the result is all but settled.

The São Paulo native hasn't complained. Called up by the Brazil national team, he spoke to reporters and made clear his approach is one of hard work and patience rather than public grievance.

I think every coach has his own way of playing. Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day and that's what I do.Estêvão

We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control. I try to give my best in training, and when I get a chance, I try to give everything. It's day by day.Estêvão

The competition blocking his path

Estêvão's problem has a name, or rather three names: Alonso has settled on an attacking trio of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and summer signing Morgan Rogers, who between them have scored 10 goals so far this season. Despite a bumpy start for the Spanish coach at the helm, that trio has been one of the few reliable parts of a Chelsea side that has scored 18 goals in seven games while also struggling defensively.

That production from his teammates is precisely what's keeping Estêvão waiting for his chance. It's something of a paradox: just a few months ago, he was the one showing up in the biggest moments. Last season he scored eight goals in 36 appearances across all competitions, with moments that already live on in the club's recent memory, like his stoppage-time winner against Liverpool, then the reigning Premier League champions, or his stunning solo goal in the 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League.

Last Friday brought another brief cameo: he came on with three minutes left in the loss to Brentford, with the score already 2-0 against Chelsea. The team ended up losing 3-0 in the west London derby, another tough chapter in Alonso's early days in the dugout.

Even so, the Brazilian insists his faith and self-belief haven't wavered.

I try to make the most of every chance I get, I try to control everything I can and leave the rest in God's hands, and I also believe a lot in myself.Estêvão

At just 19 years old, Estêvão has plenty of time to turn things around. The question is how long it will take Alonso to find him a spot once the starting trio loses steam.