Estevão vs Yamal: Who’s the Best 18-Year-Old Winger Right Now?

In the debate around young stars, Estevão Willian and Lamine Yamal spark big questions: Is the Estevão vs Yamal comparison worth it? Who’s really better? These names circle in football headlines as “next big thing,” and many wonder if Estevão can match Yamal’s early brilliance.

After a brilliant performance for Chelsea, fans and pundits ask: can Estevão already challenge Yamal’s reputation? This comparison deserves close look — because both bring raw talent, but shine in different ways.

Quick Profile: Yamal vs Estevão

Yamal rose through Barcelona’s youth ranks early. He already racks up 31 goals and 42 assists in around 118 first-team appearances, plus six international goals for Spain.
Estevão, signed by Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2025, had 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 matches at Palmeiras. Since moving to Europe he’s begun his career at Stamford Bridge with promising flashes.

Stats show: in terms of pure experience and output, Yamal leads. But when you look at per-game efficiency, Estevão shows sharp numbers.

This Season’s Numbers — What They Show

According to a recent statistical breakdown, this season:

Estevão has made more appearances than Yamal (16 vs. 12).
But Yamal played much more minutes (978 vs. 657), which means more time to influence games.
In terms of creative stats per 90 minutes — Yamal leads on shots, touches in box, dribbles, and chances created, showing his consistency and creativity.
Estevão, on the other hand, shows better shot conversion rate (13.8% vs. 11.3%) and a higher expected-goals (xG) value (0.7 vs. 0.4), hinting he makes each chance count.

So: Yamal remains more consistent across the pitch. Estevão, when he plays, looks more lethal and efficient.

Style & Potential — What Makes Them Different

Both players share a few traits:

Both are left–footed, often deployed as right-wing inverted wingers.
Both show flair, dribbling skill, and ability to attack from the flank.

But there’s a divergence in how their careers might shape up:

Many expect Estevão to evolve into a “number 10” style playmaker as he grows — more central, more playmaking.
Yamal seems likely to stay primarily as a winger, using his pace, creativity and dribbling to hurt defenses wide.

Yamal looks like a classic winger with top-level experience. Estevão carries potential to become a more all-round attacker with central playmaking — if nurtured right.

What Recent Match Shows: The Turning Point?

In a recent showdown between Chelsea and Barcelona, Estevão showed up big. He scored a brilliant goal, hammered home a powerful finish, and helped Chelsea dominate. Many already say he “outshone” Yamal that night.

That night served as proof: when Estevão is confident, focused, and played regularly — he can deliver like the best. Meanwhile Yamal struggled to shine, showing that even top talents can have off-nights in tough games.

Still — one good night doesn’t rewrite history. Yamal’s track record stays strong. And Estevão still has to prove consistency across bigger games, seasons, and pressure.

What Experts Say: Past, Present & Future

Former players and pundits already draw comparisons: some say Estevão “has everything” to be top-level, maybe even reach Yamal’s level — if he keeps working hard.
But many managers and coaches warn against pushing young players too fast — they stress that Estevão should focus on growth, not just hype.
Indeed, consistency remains key. Yamal built his reputation over many games. Estevão still needs time.

So — Is the Estevão vs Yamal Comparison Worth It?

Yes — but with caution.

It makes sense to compare: both are 18, both left-footed, both roam from the wing. Their careers started at different clubs, but both already draw huge hype.

If you ask “who’s better now” — the answer tilts slightly toward Yamal. If you ask “who could be better in future, or offer something different”, Estevão is a fascinating bet.

Estevão doesn’t surpass Yamal yet — but he’s not far.