Estêvão becomes Brazil’s youngest goalscorer in official matches since Pelé

At just 18 years old, Estêvão made history at the Maracanã by scoring in Brazil’s victory over Chile, becoming the youngest to score in an official match for the Seleção since Pelé in 1958.

Historic milestone at the Maracanã

In Brazil’s World Cup Qualifier against Chile this Thursday (5), forward Estêvão opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a smart finish inside the box. At 18 years, 4 months and 11 days, the Palmeiras jewel already signed by Chelsea became the youngest Brazilian to score in official competitions after Pelé.

The record highlights Estêvão’s meteoric rise. Only Pelé, who netted at 17 years, 7 months and 24 days in the 1958 World Cup quarterfinals against Wales, was younger in an official match.

Why Estêvão isn’t in the overall top five

While Estêvão is the second-youngest Brazilian to score in official tournaments, he does not feature in the overall top five youngest goalscorers, which also includes friendlies.

Names like Edu, Ronaldo Fenômeno and Endrick all scored earlier in friendlies. Pelé himself holds the all-time mark with a goal at 16 years and 257 days in a friendly against Argentina.

Among the youngest in South America

Estêvão’s goal also placed him in the history of South American qualifiers. He is now the third-youngest player ever to score in the competition, behind Paraguay’s Gustavo Neffa and Ecuador’s wonderkid Kendry Páez.

The striker had already earned a place in the record books earlier this year when he debuted for Brazil at just 17 years and 135 days, ranking among the five youngest debutants in Seleção history.

Brazil’s next challenge in the Qualifiers

Following the win over Chile, Brazil returns to action on Tuesday (9) against Bolivia in the final round of the South American Qualifiers.

While Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay are already qualified, Venezuela and Bolivia are still fighting for a playoff spot.