Real Madrid Eyes Another Brazilian Wonderkid: Dubbed the ‘Next Lionel Messi,’ on Their Radar

Real Madrid continues its tradition of scouting and nurturing emerging talents, and the latest name on their radar is 16-year-old sensation Estevao from Palmeiras. With a reputation that has earned him comparisons to Lionel Messi and the nickname ‘Messinho,’ Estevao has become a standout performer at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

As reported by Jorge C. Picon, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely monitoring Estevao, who boasts a €60 million release clause. Despite not making his senior debut for Palmeiras, the young Brazilian’s performances on the international stage have elevated his profile, sparking interest from top European clubs.

Real Madrid’s track record of developing Brazilian wonderkids into first-team stars, exemplified by the success stories of players like Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and the incoming Endrick, positions them favorably in any potential pursuit of Estevao. The competition for his signature is expected to intensify, given his standout displays at the U-17 World Cup.

The reported €60 million package agreed upon with Palmeiras for Endrick sets a precedent, suggesting that a similar figure may be sought for Estevao. As Real Madrid navigates the competitive landscape for emerging talents, the allure of adding a player of Estevao’s caliber to their ranks aligns with the club’s commitment to securing the brightest prospects in world football.