Estevao is a member of the so-called “geracao do bilhao” – a generation of players that also includes Real Madrid-bound Endrick and West Ham’s new starlet Luis Guilherme and with whom Palmeiras expected to make 1bn Brazilian Real (around £152m).

All three have been making waves since they were kids – Estevao himself was only 10 the first time Palmeiras tried to lure him to their academy, but failed to match an offer reportedly 10 times higher from Cruzeiro.

He then became the youngest Brazilian footballer to sign a contract with Nike, surpassing Neymar (13) and Rodrygo (11), and was dubbed ‘Messinho’ (little Messi) for his ability to change direction and dribble past opponents while running with the ball at speed.

It hardly came as a surprise to those who had been following him when Spanish newspaper AS said during the 2023 U-17 World Cup that “Brazil have a new genius”.

Despite the similarities with Lionel Messi, Estevao has stated he doesn’t want to be called ‘Messinho’ anymore.

It’s not only his left foot that leaves others fascinated, but also the mentality he already possesses. Sampaio recalls an episode that illustrated that.

“When we won the 2022 U-17 Brazilian Championship title, Estevao ended up breaking one of his toes during a decisive game,” he said.

“But even so he still didn’t want to leave [the game], so he came to me at half-time saying, ‘I’ll go back for the second half’. And I challenged him: ‘You better go back.’ And so he had a painkilling injection in his toe and told me, ‘I’ll go back, score a goal and look for you in the stands to shush you.’ That’s how strong he is mentally.”