The Brazilian giants get one last dance with their sensational young player – can they capitalize on it?
Palmeiras boast a rich history in Brazilian soccer, long-standing as a domestic powerhouse, and a breeding ground for some of the nation's top footballing talent.
Their presence on the international stage has been just as significant. As they prepare for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Palmeiras aim to make a deep run as one of South America's top contenders—arguably the strongest team in the Western Hemisphere.
With a star-studded attack featuring Vitor Roque, Estevão, Facundo Torres, and Raphael Veiga, Palmeiras are set to make waves in Group A this summer. Under the guidance of the brilliant Abel Ferreira, they enter the tournament as one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Estevão, who will complete a blockbuster move to Chelsea after the competition, has emerged as the darling of South American soccer. The 17-year-old, recently called up to Brazil’s senior squad for March’s CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying young talents in the world, drawing comparisons to Neymar.
In midfield, Colombia international and Copa América 2024 standout Richard Ríos pulls the strings, while former Houston Dynamo defender Micael joined in the January transfer window to solidify the backline.
Palmeiras return to a competition they have featured in five times before, looking to replicate their dazzling 2022 run – when they reached the final, only to fall to Chelsea in the championship match.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.
Next up is Palmeiras, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for one of four Brazilian representatives at the tournament.
The Basics
DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A
CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: Five prior appearances, runners-up in 2021
GROUP: A (Inter Miami, Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly FC)
OPENING MATCH: FC Porto – June 15, 6 p.m., New York
AdvertisementHow they got here
Palmeiras were victors of the Copa Libertadores in both 2020 and 2021, and as a result, booked themselves a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The second final in 2021 is what clinched their berth after they defeated Flamengo in a thriller, 2-1.
Getty Images SportThe player to watch
Estevao is undoubtedly the marquee player. A dynamic attacker off the right flank, he's produced numbers as a teenager that Brazil has not seen since the days of a young Neymar Jr. at Santos prior to his time with Barcelona with 13 goals and nine assists this campaign. The 17-year-old plays with a mature tone to his game, but also provides a sense of excitement when on the ball.
Former Orlando City attacker Facundo Torres is another player to watch, with the Uruguayan being a creative member of their attack. He has two goals in 13 appearances. One other name to keep an eye on is Vitor Roque. At age 20, he's already become a journeyman, with a high-profile transfer to Barcelona at the start of the 2023 season providing the world with a glimpse of his talent.
However, he fell out under manager Xavi, and was loaned to Real Betis for the 2024-25 season where he showed flashes of what made Barca interested in him. However, Palmeiras swooped in for his signature in the January window, and he now bolsters their attack alongside Estevao and Torres.
Getty Images SportRealistic Expectations
Palmeiras can absolutely compete in the Club World Cup. They should be a foe that, during the Group Stage, each opponent prepares for carefully. They have excelled in Brazil over the past two years, and have built up to this moment as a result.
Their core is young, but extremely talented, and should not be overlooked. With no true expected favorite in Group A, it should surprise nobody if the Brazilian side takes all three matches and end things in first place – they are that talented. However, neither Inter Miami or FC Porto are pushovers – and the likes of Al Ahly SC should not be overlooked, either.
However, this club should be able to at least make it into the knockouts.