Forward Estêvão, who plays for Palmeiras and is currently with the Brazilian national team preparing for World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, is confident about becoming a starter for the Canarinha despite his lack of experience and being just 17 years old.

“There’s always a lot of expectation. I’m going to show what I can do in training and make myself available. I hope everything goes well,” said the young striker in a press conference held in Curitiba, where the Brazilian team is based. Estêvão, who is already committed to Chelsea, mentioned that he hasn’t yet discussed his role with coach Dorival Júnior but aims to make the most of this call-up.

Dorival Júnior had previously expressed caution about starting Endrick during the Copa América, despite calling up the then 17-year-old Real Madrid forward. However, Endrick became an important player for Brazil during the tournament. Estêvão noted that the absence of players in his position, such as Rafinha and Sabinho, also raises his hopes of being included in the lineup or getting minutes on the field.

“There’s always a lot of expectation. In recent months, I’ve grown and shown more of my football. Everyone dreams of wearing the national team’s shirt, which creates a lot of expectation. I hope to continue what I’ve been doing at Palmeiras in the national team’s training and matches,” he said.

He also mentioned that he works hard on his mental game to overcome the gaps left by his lack of experience, and views football as a source of joy. “What I always say is that football is like an amusement park to me where I feel happy. That’s how I feel right now: happy to be with the national team and to be building a great career,” he explained.

Despite his high confidence, he admitted to feeling nervous being around players he considers his idols, from whom he hopes to learn a lot. He recalled feeling nervous when he first met Vinícius at lunch, seeing the Real Madrid forward as a major reference for the Brazilian team and the best player in the world.

He also expressed growing admiration for Neymar, who was not called up due to injury, and was thrilled by Neymar’s comments referring to him as one of Brazil’s biggest prospects.

“I was happy to hear that from my idol, someone who is a reference for us young players. Even though it’s hard to replicate what he’s done with Brazil and his clubs, we always try to mimic what he does on the field,” Estêvão said.