Chelsea have kicked off the 2025-26 Premier League season fresh off their triumph in the first revamped edition of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, setting expectations sky-high among fans. With the Blues viewed as legitimate contenders for the league title, former Chelsea midfielder and Champions League winner Ramires weighed in on their chances, while also offering special advice to rising star Estevao.
Considered a cult hero at Stamford Bridge, Ramires played for Chelsea between 2010 and 2016, carving out a reputation not as a club legend, but as a fan favorite who remains fondly remembered. He was a key figure in the squad that lifted the 2011-12 Champions League, the 2012-13 Europa League, and the 2014-15 Premier League.
In an exclusive interview with Bolavip Brasil, Ramires reflected on Chelsea’s current status and their prospects of pushing for the Premier League crown. “When a team wins a title as important as the Club World Cup, the responsibility grows a lot. Chelsea have built a very strong and motivated squad,” the former Chelsea midfielder stated.
Now retired, Ramires also drew a key distinction between knockout competitions and league play. “The hardest part isn’t reaching the top, but staying there. I’ll be rooting hard for everything to work out,” he stated, addressing his position as a supporter of the club.
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) duels for the ball with Ramires of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final, second leg match between FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at Camp Nou on April 24, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.
Under Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge, Chelsea captured the UEFA Conference League, the Club World Cup, and sealed a top-four Premier League finish to return to the Champions League. This year’s campaign began with a scoreless draw against Brighton, but with silverware already secured, Ramires believes the squad has the maturity to push for another league title.
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The expectations for ‘Little Messi’ Estevao
Nicknamed “Messinho” (Little Messi in Portuguese), Estevao represents Chelsea’s latest high-profile investment. The Blues secured the Brazilian winger from Palmeiras for €34 million plus €23 million in add-ons (around $66M), as reported by The Athletic. Having just turned 18, he is now eligible to join the first team, beginning his debut season in Europe with the same club he scored against in the Club World Cup.
Ramires offered words of encouragement for the teenager, stressing the importance of tactical growth in England. “I believe he’ll find the ideal environment to develop even more, especially on the tactical side, which is highly valued and demanded in England. I myself improved a lot in that aspect when I went there,” he said.
He also noted that working under Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira has already given Estevão valuable preparation. The youngster made his Premier League debut in the opener against Brighton, coming on for 34 minutes before being booked in the 74th, and with coach Maresca working to gradually integrate him into his project at Stamford Bridge.
