Chelsea-bound Estêvão celebrated his 18th birthday in dramatic fashion during Palmeiras’ thrilling 3-2 Copa Libertadores victory over Bolivar in La Paz, Bolivia. The young forward scored his side’s second goal, a crucial strike just before halftime, showcasing his talent on the grand stage. However, the thin air of La Paz, at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), proved to be a significant challenge.
The effects of the altitude became evident in the second half. Estêvão, visibly fatigued, collapsed to the ground and vomited, necessitating a stretcher and his substitution around the hour mark. Despite his discomfort, he remained on the bench, receiving medical attention from the Palmeiras staff. He later downplayed any serious injury concerns, attributing his distress solely to the extreme altitude.
Speaking to Paramount+, Estêvão described the experience as surreal, admitting that he struggled to acclimatize to the conditions. He expressed his relief and joy at the team’s victory, highlighting the squad’s unwavering determination and their pursuit of continued success. His replacement, Mauricio, added to the excitement by scoring the winning goal, securing Palmeiras’ third consecutive group stage win.
The match marked a memorable, albeit physically demanding, milestone for the young star. His performance, despite the challenging circumstances, further solidified his reputation as a promising talent. Palmeiras, now on a seven-game winning streak, face Bahia in their next match on Sunday. Estêvão, having completed his transfer to Chelsea last year for a reported £29 million ($38.54m), is slated to join the London club later in 2025.
