Key Takeaways:
- Estevao has played only 148 minutes over six appearances for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso this season, starting twice
- The Brazilian winger, aged 19, highlighted his focus on training and self-improvement amid limited opportunities in west London
- Estevao has returned to the Brazil national team for friendlies against Australia on November 25 and 29, followed by a match versus India on October 3
Reduced Involvement for Estevao Since Managerial Change
The early weeks of the campaign have seen Estevao heavily scrutinised for his lack of playing time at Chelsea following Xabi Alonso’s appointment as head coach. The 19-year-old has clocked just 148 minutes from six matches, with only two starts to his name, a significant decline from last season’s involvement. During the 2025-26 campaign under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Estevao enjoyed a much more prominent role, amassing eight goals and four assists across 36 fixtures.
🚨🇧🇷 Estêvão when asked what’s going on with Xabi Alonso: “I think every coach has their own way of playing. Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that's what I do”.
“We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control, I try to… pic.twitter.com/1kPQCWIpxw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 22, 2026
Estevao’s Professional Approach and Determination
Speaking to press during his Brazil national team call-up, Estevao refrained from criticising Alonso’s selection policies or stirring up any controversy over his diminished minutes at Chelsea. The former Palmeiras starlet emphasised his intention to focus on what he can control – his work ethic and training standards – and maximise any opportunities presented by the coaching staff. Noting the calibre of Chelsea’s attacking players, Estevao revealed that his strategy centres on consistency and seizing chances, while also expressing strong self-belief.
He stated: “I think every coach has their own way of playing. Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that’s what I do.
“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, when I get an opportunity I try to give my best, it goes day after day. I try to seize every opportunity I have, I try to control everything I can and I leave it in God’s hands, and I trust myself a lot too.”
Fierce Competition and Long-Term Prospects at Stamford Bridge
Since Alonso’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in July, there has been a marked reshuffling of the first-team hierarchy. Despite the increased competition and reduced role, Estevao is still regarded as a crucial long-term asset, having committed his future to Chelsea with a contract until June 2033.
International Fixtures Provide Key Opportunity
Having missed the World Cup due to injury, Estevao’s international recall has arrived at a pivotal time. The forward has recorded five goals from 11 senior appearances for Brazil. Upcoming friendlies against Australia on November 25 and 29, followed by a match against India on October 3, present a valuable platform for Estevao to regain form and condition ahead of a challenging period with Chelsea.
