The 27-year-old forward has scored four goals in his last five matches, including a spectacular finish at Old Trafford that completed Bournemouth's victory against Manchester United. The result was the club's fourth consecutive win without conceding and the third time in four seasons that they had won 3-0 at Old Trafford.
“When I thought about getting past the goalkeeper, I took a chance,” Evanilson told the Daily Mail, recalling the goal against Senne Lammens.
“It was very windy as well. Maybe the wind helped, but I looked for the perfect angle there. I managed to score that goal, which was very difficult, but it was beautiful. For me, it is one of the best goals I have scored. Even more so because of the importance of the match, against United, away from home, at Old Trafford.”
The victory came only three days after Bournemouth defeated AC Milan by the same scoreline in the Europa League. Evanilson helped create the circumstances for Justin Kluivert's opening penalty in that match, contributing to a run of results that has given the club fresh confidence during its first European campaign.
The Brazilian has also reached 100 career goals, having recently scored against Sunderland. His current return stands at four goals and four assists in 11 appearances across the Premier League and Europa League, providing encouragement as he seeks another opportunity with his country.
“Of course, I am always thinking about the national team,” Evanilson said.
“I think it is the ambition of every footballer to wear the shirt of the greatest national team of all. My expectations are high. I hope I can be there. If that is not the case, I will continue working and doing my part.”
The forward has two senior international appearances for Brazil, both in 2024, but has yet to receive a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti. With competition for attacking positions continuing, Evanilson knows that consistent performances at Bournemouth are his strongest argument.
His current form has followed a period of adaptation to English football. Bournemouth appointed Marco Rose after Andoni Iraola's departure, and Evanilson believes the new coach has helped him maintain his development.
“Iraola helped me enormously to adapt to English football, which is completely different. Because he is Spanish and I did not speak English fluently, he spoke to me in Spanish,” he explained.
“Rose also needed time. At the beginning, adapting to English football is always difficult. He knows what he is doing, prepares the games very well and the intensity on the pitch is very similar to Iraola's. He trusts me a lot.”
Rose has set the striker a target of between 15 and 20 goals this season, after Evanilson scored 18 across his first two campaigns at the club.
“His expectations are very high. I am sure opportunities will continue to come. I have to be there, focused, to take them.”
Evanilson has also taken on a mentoring role following the arrival of fellow Brazilian Rayan, who scored his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford. The 20-year-old joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January, and Evanilson has tried to help him settle into English football.
“I already knew the quality he had as a player, but I did not know him as a person. He is a wonderful kid, a good boy. We are always together here at the club. He is a powerful player, explosive, and he also has that instinct for goals. Since he arrived, I have tried to help him adapt more quickly.”
The support Evanilson received earlier in his own career remains important to him. After joining Porto from Fluminense in 2020, he spent a significant part of his first season in Portugal playing for the club's reserve team. Former Real Madrid defender Pepe helped him through that difficult period.
“I love him, I love him,” Evanilson said of Pepe.
“He was always talking to me. He would say, ‘Stay calm, your time will come, the coach likes you a lot.’ Sometimes I would feel sad. I had been signed and was playing for Porto B.”
Evanilson eventually established himself at Porto, scoring 21 goals in all competitions during a season in which the club won both the league and cup. He finished his Portuguese spell with 60 goals in 154 appearances before Bournemouth signed him for a club-record £40 million two years ago.
His journey began much earlier, when he left Fortaleza at 13 to join Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro. He has spoken openly about the difficulty of leaving home and the death of his mother, Madalena, in 2017.
“I would have loved her to experience everything I have been through, from leaving Fortaleza to reaching where I am now. I am sure she is proud. The only thing I would really like is for her to be here, experiencing this and watching me play in the Premier League.”
Drawing, a childhood habit that helped him cope with homesickness, remains part of his life. He now draws alongside his daughter, Maria Alice, while maintaining his Brazilian roots with his family in Dorset.
For Evanilson, the recent goals and Bournemouth's victories represent more than a productive spell. They are an opportunity to establish himself as one of the Premier League's most effective Brazilian forwards and earn another chance to represent his country.