Andrey Santos admits his early days at Chelsea left him doubting his own ability. The 21-year-old midfielder joined the Blues from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, but the transition from Brazilian football to the Premier League was brutal.
“I got home thinking I didn’t know how to play football anymore because of the difference in intensity,” he told Globo Esporte. “I did well in pre-season but opted to go on loan. Unfortunately, I didn’t play either. It was a difficult process, but I matured a lot.”
Loan spells at Vasco and Nottingham Forest offered little game time. Off the pitch, he and his wife faced isolation, making those first six months in England “very difficult.”
Strasbourg Turning Point
Everything changed when Andrey joined Strasbourg on loan last season. Given freedom and trust, he played 39 Ligue 1 games, scored 10 goals, and added 3 assists.
“They gave me options, I sat down with my wife and we chose to go back to France. There I felt embraced by the staff, the squad and the fans. It was a brilliant season, the best of my life. I scored goals, I was happy, and I reached the national team,” he explained.
He even played 17 straight matches without being substituted — a sign of both stamina and trust. Chelsea scouts and directors regularly checked in, reinforcing that he remained central to the club’s project.
Chelsea Integration and Brazil Call-Up
That progress carried him back to Stamford Bridge. Andrey featured in four matches of Chelsea’s Club World Cup-winning run and has already appeared in all three of their Premier League fixtures this season.
Off the field, he rebuilt his lifestyle:
“Talent alone is not enough here, every detail makes the difference. I got stronger and faster. Now I have a physiotherapist, a chef, a nutritionist, and a whole staff to help me. Each detail makes you play or not in the end.” — Andrey Santos
His development was rewarded with a senior Brazil call-up. On Tuesday, he started against Bolivia in World Cup qualifying, underlining his rapid rise.
Andrey Santos Career Snapshot
| Season | Club | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | Strasbourg (loan) | 39 | 10 | 3 |
| 2024/25 | Chelsea | 4 (Club WC) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Chelsea | 3 | 0 | 0 |
source: club records – 8 September 2025
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Andrey has shown resilience rare for his age:
“Andrey Santos looked lost at first, but his Strasbourg loan proved he can adapt and dominate in Europe. Chelsea now view him as part of their long-term midfield core. If he consolidates minutes this season, he could head into the 2026 World Cup as one of Brazil’s emerging leaders.”
Key Insights
- Andrey Santos admitted he once felt like he “didn’t know how to play football” at Chelsea.
- Early struggles at Nottingham Forest and Vasco loans left him doubting himself.
- Strasbourg loan revived his career: 39 games, 10 goals, 3 assists.
- Now a Chelsea regular and Brazil starter under Carlo Ancelotti.
- World Cup 2026 is his ultimate goal.
What’s Next for Andrey Santos?
Andrey will look to build on his early-season Premier League minutes as Chelsea manage a packed schedule. The competition is fierce, with João Pedro and Estêvão also shining, but his versatility and discipline could be key to Enzo Maresca’s midfield balance.
For Brazil, the young midfielder has already announced himself on the biggest stage. Now, staying consistent at Chelsea is the only way to turn his World Cup dream into reality.
👉 Is Andrey Santos the next great Brazilian midfielder to thrive in the Premier League — or does he still face a fight to become a Chelsea regular?
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