
Estevão Willian, the 17-year-old Brazilian sensation set to join Chelsea in July 2025, has expressed a desire to retain his current squad number upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge. In an interview with ESPN Brazil, he stated:
“I don’t have [a preference], but I really like 41. If I have 41, that would be cool too.”
At Palmeiras, Estevão has donned the number 41 jersey, a choice influenced by his early promotion to the senior team. This number has become synonymous with his burgeoning career, and he hopes to continue wearing it at Chelsea. Currently, the number 41 is unassigned in Chelsea’s first-team squad, potentially allowing Estevão to maintain this personal tradition.
Estevão’s impending move to Chelsea has generated significant excitement among fans and pundits alike. Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited and salivating at the thought of seeing Estevão Willian in a Chelsea shirt.”
The young forward has also set ambitious goals for his tenure with the Blues, aiming to become the club’s most successful Brazilian player. He remarked, “I want to make history, I want to become the most successful Brazilian in Chelsea’s history.”
Estevão’s preference for the number 41 jersey reflects his desire for continuity as he transitions to English football. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, both he and Chelsea supporters are eager to see him make a significant impact while wearing his favored number.