Estevao became the youngest Brazil goalscorer since Pele while Lucas Paqueta marked his long-awaited return with a goal in a 3-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying.
Brazil have still yet to concede a goal under Carlo Ancelotti after they put the bottom side in CONMEBOL qualifying to the sword at the Maracana.
Estevao broke the deadlock with a bicycle kick from point-blank range, netting his first goal for his country at 18 years and four months. The late Pele’s first Brazil goal came at the age of 17 years and eight months at the 1958 World Cup.
Substitute Paqueta doubled the lead with a far-post header, nodding home a cross from the impressive Luiz Henrique in the West Ham man’s first game for his country since November 2024. Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing in July and is now considering legal action against the Football Association.
Paqueta’s close friend Bruno Guimaraes rounded off the scoring, the Newcastle United midfielder tapping in after Henrique had hit the bar following neat link-up play between the two.
Speaking afterwards, Paqueta said: “[I’m] very happy after everything I’ve been through in the last two years.
“Now, I can play my light football and I hope to help the national team a lot.”
Brazil visit Bolivia on Tuesday, with the hosts battling for the interconfederation play-off spot after the final automatic qualifying spots were clinched on Thursday.
In addition to Brazil, defending world champions Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia and Paraguay will all feature in the contingent of South American teams at the 2026 World Cup. Bolivia or Venezuela will take the play-off spot, with the latter aiming to qualify for the first time.
