Brazilian star Neymar has predicted that teenage Palmeiras striker Estêvão Willian “will be a genius”.
Estêvão will join Chelsea in July 2025 on a permanent transfer from Palmeiras in a deal worth €61.5 million ($66 million).
The 17-year-old impressed for Palmeiras at youth level and was promoted to the first team earlier this year.
“He is a great talent that is emerging today in Brazilian football,” Neymar said of Estêvão.
“I think he's going to be a genius.”
With Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, out of the Copa América with a knee injury, Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are expected to lead Brazil's attack.
“Brazil's key player? For me I think it's Rodrygo,” Neymar said. “came [Vinícius] He will play everything he knows but I think Rodrygo is very different. He is a star and he is not. The 10 jersey will definitely bring him a lot of luck.”
Rodrygo will wear Brazil's number 10 shirt at the Copa América, a shirt that has been adorned in the past by the likes of Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.
“I know my responsibility, I know that every day I have to be better,” Rodrygo said.
“I know that the eyes of the whole world will be on me there with that shirt, so I am prepared to continue doing things well to respond to what they expect.
“I always try to make this clear to him [Neymar], which although I now wear shirt number 10, is his shirt. I'm just substituting for a moment. “People are waiting for his return.”
