(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Tue 16 September 2025 18:00, UK

A Chelsea player could write themselves into the Champions League history books alongside Lionel Messi.

Chelsea begin their Champions League campaign at Bayern Munich, having lifted the Conference League trophy and made the Premier League top four last season.

Enzo Maresca‘s side arrive into the contest having dropped further points in the Premier League after Chelsea drew 2-2 against Brentford on Saturday.

The Blues have won the Champions League twice in recent history and their credentials will be put to the test at the Allianz Arena on matchday one.

Estevao can join Lionel Messi in Champions League history

Chelsea winger Estevao could make his Champions League debut if he can feature for the Blues at Bayern Munich.

Estevao was not in Chelsea’s matchday squad at Brentford, but is expected to return for the trip to Germany.

The 18-year-old has started the previous two fixtures against West Ham and Fulham, registering an assist in the former.

If he scores against Bayern Munich, Estevao would become the fourth youngest goal scorer in the Champions League from a South American nation, as per BBC Sport, [16 September].

At 18 years and 146 days old, only Endrick, Roque Santa Cruz and Lionel Messi would have netted a goal in the Champions League at a younger age.

Estevao looking to continue making Chelsea impact

The Brazilian has brought more flair and a different dynamic to the Chelsea attack since he joined the club in the summer.

Estevao, who has been compared to Neymar, has already displaced Jamie Gittens down the left flank, with the former Borussia Dortmund winger yet to make an impact.

His form earned him a call up to the Brazil squad, where he started and scored against Chile in World Cup qualification.

The Champions League will provide Maresca with his biggest challenge yet as a Chelsea manager and whether his squad can go deep into the competition.

The Blues have yet to face a top six team in the Premier League, and have already been held to draws by Crystal Palace and Brentford.