Estevao Opens Up on World Cup Heartbreak and Surprise Brazil Return Under Ancelotti

Estevao, the Chelsea winger, expressed deep gratitude after being called back to the Brazil national team for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. The 19-year-old spoke openly about the tough journey of overcoming a serious injury that forced him out of the 2026 World Cup.

Back in the Selecao Fold

Estevao marked his official return to the Brazil squad during a press event in Brisbane, Australia. He was selected by Carlo Ancelotti for the FIFA Super Date, which includes two friendlies versus Australia and a match against India. This call-up is his first since he suffered a severe right hamstring tear while playing for Chelsea in April 2026.

Although he tried conservative treatment at Palmeiras, his former club, the injury kept him sidelined during the 2026 World Cup.

Resilience Fueled by Family and Faith

Talking to reporters, Estevao shared how emotionally difficult it was to watch the World Cup without playing. He credited his family and faith for keeping his spirits up during recovery. He emphasized that focusing on small daily improvements helped him deal with the mental strain of missing such a big tournament.

“My family was fundamental to me during this injury period, which isn’t very easy for an athlete,” Estevao said. “We missed a very special moment, but they were always by my side. I also used a lot of the word resilience, facing each day, forgetting what happened and focusing on the future.”

Ancelotti’s Trust Drives Estevao Forward

Before the injury, Estevao had an impressive start internationally under Ancelotti, scoring against Chile, South Korea, Senegal, and Tunisia. Now, aiming to regain a starting spot alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, he dismissed any nerves. Instead, he called working with Ancelotti a privilege that motivates him every day in training and matches.

“I don’t think it’s anxiety, I think it’s a privilege,” Estevao explained. “Every player who is chosen here is privileged. Being chosen by Ancelotti is a privilege for me. I see this as motivation to give my best every day in training and in games.”

Upcoming Fixtures and Goals

Brazil’s tour begins with a match against Australia on Friday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. They will face the Socceroos again on September 29 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium before wrapping up their international schedule on October 3 against India at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Estevao hopes to cement his role as a key player in Brazil’s new era.

• Friendlies Schedule:
• September 25, 2026 - Australia vs Brazil: 13:00
• September 29, 2026 - Australia vs Brazil: 13:00
• October 3, 2026 - India vs Brazil: Time not specified