It’s been a whirlwind week for Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estevão Willian.

A day before making his debut for the Blues, the 18-year-old learned he had been shortlisted for the prestigious Kopa Trophy — the Ballon d’Or equivalent for players under the age of 21.

Speaking to Jornal Nacional about the nomination, Estevão could hardly hide his excitement.

“It’s crazy. I’ve only had a year and a half as a professional, and things are happening very quickly,” he said.

“But thank God it’s all going in the best way possible. Knowing that all my effort is being recognised, and that I’m following the best steps, is incredible.”

For a player still in his teens, the magnitude of the achievement is not lost on him.

“I’m still only 18, it’s not even at the limit for the under-21 category, and things are moving fast. But God has given me the opportunity every day to build an incredible career, and I’m very happy about that.”

Estevão has wasted no time making an impression at Stamford Bridge. Having just joined Chelsea this summer, he scored on his unofficial debut against Bayer Leverkusen, showing exactly why the club moved quickly to secure his signature.

With the Brazilian wonderkid now tipped to be regularly involved with the first team in the upcoming season, Chelsea fans can be forgiven for feeling a surge of excitement. Not only is Estevão already earning recognition on the world stage, but his ambition, humility, and faith suggest the Blues may have landed a player capable of becoming one of the game’s greats.

If things are already “moving fast” for Estevão Willian, Chelsea supporters will be hoping they don’t slow down anytime soon.