(In Bolivia) Estêvão Willian shines on his 18th birthday with a goal in Palmeiras' 3-2 Libertadores win over Bolívar in La Paz!

 Estêvão Willian shines on his 18th birthday with a goal in Palmeiras' 3-2 Libertadores win over Bolívar in La Paz!

But the 3650m altitude hit hard, leaving him vomiting and needing a stretcher. He's okay now, just altitude sickness! Estêvão Willian, the 18-year-old Palmeiras prodigy, celebrated his birthday in style by scoring in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Bolívar in the Copa Libertadores, played in La Paz, Bolivia. The match, held at 3650 meters above sea level, showcased his talent but also the brutal effects of high altitude. Early in the second half, Estêvão began feeling unwell, vomiting on the pitch, which led to his substitution around the 59th minute. Visibly struggling, he was stretchered off, raising concerns among fans and teammates. However, the young star later clarified it was not an injury but altitude sickness, a common challenge for players unaccustomed to such extreme conditions. "It took me a while to get used to it," Estêvão said post-match, adding, "It was really a question of the altitude. It’s surreal here." He received medical attention on the bench, including medication, and was reported to be stable and recovering well after the game. His resilience and performance under such conditions further cemented his reputation as one of Brazil’s brightest prospects. The match itself was a testament to Palmeiras’ grit, securing a crucial win in a notoriously difficult venue. Estêvão’s birthday goal and subsequent battle with altitude sickness sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans praising his determination while marveling at the physical toll of playing at such heights. This moment underscores the unique challenges of South American football, where environmental factors like altitude can test even the most talented players. Estêvão’s ability to shine despite adversity highlights why he’s a name to watch in global football. Palmeiras now looks ahead in the Libertadores, with their young star ready for the next challenge.

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