Before Estevao Willian was even born, his father, Ivo Gonçalves, was living out his own football dreams as a goalkeeper. However, after an early retirement from the sport, Ivo chose a different path and became a pastor in the Baptist church. Many assumed that Ivo would guide his family toward a life of evangelism, but little did they know that the future of Brazilian football and Chelsea Football Club rested on the shoulders of his son, Estevao Willian.
Ivo found a way to blend his faith with his passion for football, using his experiences as a former player to nurture Estevao’s budding talent. It was a unique calling that allowed him to support his son’s aspirations while remaining true to his own spiritual journey.
From Pulpit Father to Pitch Son: Estevao Willian’s Untold Football Journey
Preamble:
In this biography, we’re excited to share the story of Estevao Willian, exploring his roots and humble beginnings as he steps into the spotlight of the football world.
With the unwavering support of his family, including his younger sister Esther, Estêvão always felt the love surrounding him. No matter where his football journey took him, his parents and sister would move to stay close, ensuring he never felt homesick.
Overlooking Estevao Willian’s playing style and stats, our biography gives comprehensive details about his parents – his father, Ivo Goncalves and mother, Hetiene Almeida de Oliveira, sister (Esther Willian), religion, nationality, and personal life.
Our version of Estevao Willian’s Biography begins the journey of the emerging Brazilian sensation’s life story with a visual narrative of his early career. It then progresses to the growth of the game. As well as giving facts about his stardom becoming a source of pride for all football fans and his parents.
From Grassroots to Glory: Estevao Willian’s Path from Humble Beginnings
Estevao Willian Childhood Story:
For avid biography readers, he uses the nickname “Messinho”. Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves took his first breath on the 24th of April 2007 in Brazil to his parents- his father, Ivo Goncalves and mother, Hetiene Almeida de Oliveira in Brazil.
The Brazilian winger is the first boy with his younger sister in the marriage of his mother and father. Before taking you on the tale of the biography of the future football icon, here are Estevao Willian’s parents and their children.
Meet Estevao Willians’ parents with their son and their daughter. Which of them do you think Estevao resembles? Source: Tribuna
Growing-Up Years:
Estevao Willian grew up in Franca in Brazil with his parents – his mother, Hetiene Almeida, and father, Ivo Goncalves- and with his only sibling, Miss Esther Olivera, his only sister. Life for the small household was perfect as they loved and respected each other.
Research shows that Estevao Willians’ family are a Christian household. They grew up with the teachings of the bible in their Christian faith. And it is more because Ivo Goncales (Estevao Willian’s father) was a pastor. Thus, the children and his wife were regular worshippers of the Baptist church in Brazil. How did football come into the lives of this religious home?
Although Estevao Willian’s father was a preacher, he still loved football. Research reveals that Ivo Goncalves is a former player and a goalkeeper in a club in Sao Paulo. Thus, as a young child, his firstborn son follows him to the field and falls in love with the game. From there, both the dad and the child practised their skills after the activities of the day.
Family Background:
Before the birth of the Future Premier League Star, Estevao Willian’s father had a career in the same sports. Ivo Goncalves is a former football player who played as a goalkeeper during his time. However, after the early retirement from the game, he went in a different direction and became a pastor in the Baptist church. This occupation was enough for him to be active with his son’s budding career.
While by his side, Estevao Willians’ mother took care of the home full-time. Hetiene Almeida kept the home squeaking clean and provided warm meals for her family. As Ivo concentrated on Estevao’s sports life, she kept an eye on her only daughter, Esther. Thus balancing the dynamics of adequate care for both the boy and girl in the household.
Estevao Willian Family:
All through the life of the young footballer, members of his home have been very supportive. So much so that wherever Estevao was posted, his mother, father, and only sister would move to his location. All to make sure agile playmaker isn’t homesick but with those who love him the most.
About Estevao Willians’ Father:
Ivo Goncalves is the man who has given the football gift to his son. Being a pastor has also provided the best training for Estevao’s personality. And this is obvious to everyone as they compliment how the young player is humble and down to earth.
Here is Estevao Willian’s dad, who is a pastor in the Baptist Church. Photo: Instagram@ivogpr
Apart from guiding his son in his career, Estevao Willian’s father also goes out to battle anyone who mistreats his child. That is why Ivo is always by his son’s side and travels with him wherever his football career leads him to. It shows an example of how much the pastor values his child.
About Estevao Willians’ Mother:
A look at Hetiene Almeida shows she shares some facial characteristics with her son. Estevao Willians’ mother has been more than the woman who gave birth to the footballer. She has been by his side since childhood and the Brazilian Prodigy’s breakthrough in his career.
Here is Hetiene Almeida, who is looking impeccable in her outfit. Image: Instagram@hetienealmeidadeoliveira
It was not easy that Estevao Willian’s mother had to leave all her friends behind for her child’s career. That action shows the sacrificial love for her only son. As his reign is sung on the fields, we can tell that Hetiene Almeida is highly proud of his success.
About Estevao Willians’ Sister:
Esther Willian is the little sister of Estêvão. Even though she is almost five years younger, they share a very close bond and love for each other. Esther has been a part of Estêvão’s life since the very beginning. She always supports him in everything he does, cheering him on as he plays football.
The only sibling and girl in the home. Meet Estevao Willian’s sister as she shares in the precious moments with her brother. Photo: Instagram@estevaowilian_
From the image, you can see that Esther closely resembles Estevao Willians’ mother. From her body structure to her facial appearance, it is almost a mini version of Hetiene Almeida. Although Esther is still young, there is no record of what she intends to be. However, we are sure that Estevao Willians’ sister would also join the sports team, just like Lauren James did following her brother.
Estevao Willian Family Origin:
It is common knowledge that Estevao Willian’s birthplace is in Franca, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Moreover, searching through the names of his parents- Ivo Goncalves and his mother and Hetiene Almeida de Oliveira- shows they also have Brazilian nationality. Here’s the map that shows the precise hometown of the Palmeiras’ Key Player.
The Brazilian’s origin in Franca. Photo: Google Maps.
However, we are more interested in investigating Estêvão Willian’s origins in Franca. It is five hours away from Gabriel Jesus‘ hometown in São Paulo and Ederson Morares in Osasco. At the same time, Alisson Becker, born in Novo Hamburgo and Raphinha in Porto Alegre, are more than a thousand kilometres from the Brazilian wonderkid.
Estevao Willians Early Football Beginnings:
The right-winger started playing football at a young age at Cruzeiro’s academy in 2017. In 2018, when he was just ten, he signed a contract with Nike. This made him the youngest Brazilian player to sign with Nike. Even younger than Rodrygo, who plays for Real Madrid.
The young prodigy moved to the under-17 unit the following year and stayed through till 2021. At fourteen in the 20/21 season, he left to join the Palmeiras U17 squad. On May 6, 2021, Estêvão joined the youth team of Palmeiras by signing a trainee contract. The summary of the young lad’s moments in the sports.
Estevao Football stats in his early career in the academy. Gallery: Besoccer, Redebatista, Redebatista.
While there, the winger with flair helped his team win important trophies, like the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17, Campeonato Paulista Sub-15, Copa do Brasil Sub-17, and Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17. In October 2023, during the final of the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17, he scored three goals in one game, helping his team win 3-0 against Sao Paulo.
After that, Estêvão went back to play for the Palmeiras U-20 team. On April 24, 2024, he scored his first goal for Palmeiras in a game against Liverpool, and they won 3-1 in the 2024 Copa Libertadores group stage. He became the third player to score a goal for Palmeiras in this tournament after Angelo Gabriel and Endrick.
Estevao Willians’ Personality?
Palmeiras’ Key Player is very humble thanks to the religious teachings Estevao got from his father, a pastor. As such, when you take a trip down to his Instagram, you will notice that the little mess is focused on his career. Apart from what Estevao Willians’ parents have imbibed in him, the Taurus zodiac athlete has more to his personality. The former Cruzeiro winger has poured all his energy into his career, reaping his rewards.
In addition, spending time with family is all that matters to the winger. Because of the vast sacrifice Estevao Willians’ family has put into his growth, the creative forward rewards them by ensuring their input is worthwhile. Furthermore, he shares the Taurus sign with Faiq Bolkiah (LW), Rafa Silva and Pablo Sarabia.
Ascent to Sucess:
During some friendly games, the goal-scoring winger was chosen to play for the Brazil U17 team for the first time in October 2022. Then, on the 23rd of August, 2024, he was picked to join the Brazil national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games with Bruno Guimarães (DM), Richarlison, and Rodrygo Goes. Estevao played his first game for Brazil on the 6th of September, 2024, against Ecuador at the Estádio Couto Pereira.
Estevao Willians Tranfer News:
On the 22nd of June, 2024, Chelsea announced another Willian, in the form of Estêvão, whom they said would join them in the summer of 2025 when he turns 18 years old. The deal is worth €34 million, and the Future Premier League Star can earn an extra €23 million based on how well he plays in games.
Incredibly, the Esteveo Willians’ stats are deemed worthy to join Enzo Maresca’s management in the Premier League team. Moving from the Brazilian games to an English club is a testament to his skills. The rest is history, they said.
Untold Facts:
We give further insight into all the lesser-known facts about Estevao Willians Biography.
Estevao Willians’ Religion:
So far in this biography, we know that Estevao Willan’s father is a pastor. They are very religious and attend the Baptist church in their hometown. However, due to the busy schedule of the right winger, he might not participate in church as much as he did in his childhood. But then we know the trophy player is a Christian.
The future Chelsea player with his family in the church. Picture: Redebatista
Estevao Willians’ Fifa Profile:
The young Willian has an acceleration of over 90 scores with agility and sprint speed. The right winger, similar to Omari Hutchinson and Francisco Conceição, excels at dribbling, so he can move the ball past defenders without them taking it away. He has a solid left foot, which helps him make accurate crosses and score goals.
Sofifa stats about the Brazilian right winger.
Opinions people, after viewing Estevao Willian’s stats, say he plays like famous players Lionel Messi and Neymar. He understands the game very well for his age and makes intelligent choices. Because of this, FIFA gives him a rating of 72 per cent, with the potential to reach 91 per cent.
Summary:
Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves took his first breath on the 24th of April 2007 in Brazil to his parents- his father, Ivo Goncalves and mother, Hetiene Almeida de Oliveira in Brazil.
The Brazilian winger grew up in Franca in Brazil with his parents – his mother, Hetiene Almeida, and father, Ivo Goncalves- and with his only sibling, Miss Esther Olivera, his only sister. Life for the small household was perfect as they loved and respected each other.
Research shows that Estevao Willians’ family are a Christian household. They grew up with the teachings of the bible in their Christian faith. And it is more because Ivo Goncales (Estevao Willian’s father) was a pastor. Thus, the children and his wife were regular worshippers of the Baptist church in Brazil. How did football come into the lives of this religious home?
The right-winger started playing football at a young age at Cruzeiro’s academy in 2017. In 2018, when he was just ten, he signed a contract with Nike. This made him the youngest Brazilian player to sign with Nike. Even younger than Rodrygo, who plays for Real Madrid. At fourteen in the 20/21 season, he left to join the Palmeiras U17 squad. On May 6, 2021, Estêvão joined the youth team of Palmeiras by signing a trainee contract.
While there, the winger with flair helped his team win important trophies, like the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17, Campeonato Paulista Sub-15, Copa do Brasil Sub-17, and Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17. In October 2023, during the final of the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17, he scored three goals in one game, helping his team win 3-0 against Sao Paulo.
During some friendly games, the goal-scoring winger was chosen to play for the Brazil U17 team for the first time in October 2022. Then, on the 23rd of August, 2024, he was picked to join the Brazil national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games. Estevao played his first game for Brazil on the 6th of September, 2024, against Ecuador at the Estádio Couto Pereira.
On the 22nd of June, 2024, Chelsea announced that Estêvão would join them in the summer of 2025 when he turns 18 years old. The deal is worth €34 million, and the Future Premier League Star can earn an extra €23 million based on how well he plays in games. Incredibly, the Esteveo Willians’ stats are deemed worthy to join Enzo Maresca’s management in the Premier League team. Moving from the Brazilian games to an English club is a testament to his skills. The rest is history, they said.
Appreciation:
As you made it to the end of Estevao Willians’ Biography, we hope you enjoyed the journey. The talented Brazillian would soon be a football icon like his idol Messi. If you found this article worthy, that of Wilson Odobert and Abdul Fatawu would also hold your interest.
