Ilsinho
Ilsinho with the Philadelphia Union in 2019
Personal information
Full name Ilson Pereira Dias Júnior
Date of birth (1985-10-12) 12 October 1985 (age 38)
Place of birth São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Right midfielder
Youth career
2001–2005 Palmeiras
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006 Palmeiras 5 (0)
2006–2007 São Paulo 33 (2)
2007–2010 Shakhtar Donetsk 56 (10)
2010–2011 São Paulo 15 (2)
2011–2012 Internacional 11 (0)
2012–2015 Shakhtar Donetsk 53 (7)
2016–2021 Philadelphia Union 127 (21)
Total 300 (42)
International career
2008 Brazil U23 4 (0)
2007 Brazil 1 (0)
Medal record
Representing  Brazil
Men's Football
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Beijing Team Competition
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ilson Pereira Dias Júnior (born 12 October 1985), commonly known as Ilsinho (formerly Ilson, Jr.), is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a right midfielder. He originally started his career as a right-back, but during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, he was used as a winger, where he showed off his skill and speed.

Ilsinho began his career at Palmeiras in 2006 before signing for São Paulo later that year. He joined Shakhtar Donetsik in 2007, where he would notably win the UEFA Cup in the 2008–09 season. He returned to São Paulo in 2010 before joining Internacional the following year. In 2012, he returned to Shakhtar Donetsk. In 2016, Ilsinho signed for Philadelphia Union.

Club career

Palmeiras and São Paulo

Ilsinho began his playing career in 2006 within his home state of São Paulo with Palmeiras playing right full-back.[1] Midway through the season, he signed for rivals São Paulo FC where he would spend the next two seasons, winning the 2006 and 2007 Brasileirões.[1][2]

Shakhtar Donetsk

Ilsinho with FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

On 29 July 2007, it was announced that Ilsinho had completed a €10 million transfer to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, signing a four-year contract with the club until 29 July 2011.[3][4]

During his time in Donetsk, he became known for his dribbling skills and vision of the field. During the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, he scored the opening goal in a group stage match against FC Barcelona; his first goal in the international club competition.[5] Donetsk finished third in Group C standings resulting in a transfer to the final phase of the UEFA Cup.[6]

Ilsinho was a key contributor to the UEFA Cup run when he scored a game-winning goal against Dynamo Kyiv, advancing Donetsk to the finals past their domestic rival.[7] During the cup final, Ilsinho contributed 87 minutes to an ultimate extra victory against Werder Bremen, Donetsk's first European trophy.[8][9]

Return to São Paulo

In August 2010, Ilsinho returned to his native Brazil, re-signing with his former club, São Paulo FC[10][11] The return to São Paulo was held up initially due to Donetsk requiring a contract extension for an additional season, per the initial player contract agreement.[3][12] The Court of Arbitration for Sport later awarded Donetsk eligible to receive compensation from Ilsinho for breach of contract for about €3.6 million.[3]

Internacional

In August 2011, Ilsinho was released from São Paulo after being unable to resolve contract negotiations.[13] Upon release, he signed with SC Internacional.[11][13]

Return to Shakhtar Donetsk

Ilsinho rejoined Shakhtar in January 2012 on a three and a half-year contract,[14] accepting a much lower salary than his previous one with the club.[15] He was assigned the number 77. His first appearance came in a 1–1 draw against Dnipro on 4 March 2012 coming on as a 64th-minute substitute for Alex Teixeira.[16] His first start since returning to the club came in a 2–1 victory over Illichivets.[17] He netted his first goal of his second spell with Shakhtar in a 4–0 win over Chornomorets Odesa[18] He finished the season with 1 goal from 9 appearances, 7 of which came in the league.

The 2012–13 season started well with Ilsinho coming on as a substitute in the 2–0 Super Cup victory over Metalurh Donetsk. He scored a goal in his first two league matches, the first of which came in a 6–0 victory over Arsenal Kyiv,[19] with the second coming against Hoverla in a 3–1 win.[20] He scored a goal in a 2–0 win against Metalist Kharkiv on 7 October.[21] On 19 October he netted the equalising goal in a 2–1 victory against Illichivets.[22] He left Shakhtar Donetsk upon the completion of his contract on 30 June 2015.[23]

Philadelphia Union

On 24 February 2016, the Philadelphia Union announced they had signed Ilsinho on a two-year deal.[24] The first few seasons, Ilsinho struggled with fitness but found good offensive combinations with the Union's offense. Often deployed as a winger on the right flank, he would also spell as a central attacking midfielder as the Union were seeking at "volume #10" for their system.[25]

During the 2019 season, Ilsinho was transitioned into a "super-sub" role and saw greater success with the Union[26] Making only 7 starts from 28 appearances, the Union offensive performance was substantially different with Ilsinho on the field posting a +24 goal differential compared to a +7 with him on the bench.[26] This offensive production, combined with a come-from-behind result against New York Red Bulls (dubbed "The Ilsinho Game", on 8 June 2019) earned Ilsinho the nickname "the cheatcode" in MLS circles.[27][28][29] He finished the 2019 season with eight assists and five goals.[26]

In January 2020, Ilsinho re-signed to a one-year contract with the Union.[30] Following the 2021 season, Ilsinho's contract expired with Philadelphia.[31] In March 2022, Ilsinho officially announced his retirement from professional football.[32]

International career

On 8 March 2007, Ilsinho was called up to the Brazil squad for the first time for two friendlies against Chile and Ghana. He made his international debut against Ghana on 27 March 2007 as the starting right-back.[33][34] Brazilian legends Kaká, Ronaldinho, Robinho, and Júlio César were also in the starting lineup.[35]

Ilsinho was also part of Brazil's squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics in which the team earned a Bronze medal after reaching third place. He made his debut as a substitute in Brazil 5–0 victory over New Zealand and later started in the 3–0 win over China.[36]

Personal life

Ilsinho holds a U.S. green card which qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.[37]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Palmeiras 2006 5 0 — — — 5 0
São Paulo 2006 20 2 — 1 0 — 21 2
2007 13 0 — 6 0 8[a] 2 27 2
Total 33 2 0 0 7 0 8 2 48 4
Shakhtar Donetsk 2007–08 20 5 5 0 8 0 — 33 5
2008–09 13 1 2 1 11 2 1[b] 0 27 4
2009–10[38] 23 4 3 0 10 1 — 36 5
Total 56 10 10 1 29 3 1 0 96 14
São Paulo 2010[38] 9 1 — — — 9 1
2011[38] 6 1 5 1 — 14[a] 2 25 4
Total 15 2 5 1 0 0 14 2 34 5
Internacional 2011[38] 11 0 — — — 11 0
Shakhtar Donetsk 2011–12[38] 7 1 2 0 — — 9 1
2012–13[38] 19 6 2 0 6 0 1[b] 0 28 6
2013–14[38] 13 0 4 1 4 0 0[b] 0 21 1
2014–15[38] 14 0 4 0 3 0 1[b] 0 22 0
Total 53 7 12 1 13 0 2 0 80 8
Philadelphia Union 2016[39] 25 2 3 0 — 1[c] 0 29 2
2017[39] 27 6 0 0 — — 27 6
2018[39] 23 6 1 0 — 1[c] 0 25 6
2019[39] 28 5 1 0 — 2[c] 0 31 5
2020[39] 19 2 — — 1[c] 0 20 2
2021[39] 5 0 — 1 0 — 6 0
Total 127 21 5 0 1 0 5 0 138 21
Career total 300 42 32 3 50 3 30 4 412 52
  1. ^ a b Appearances in State League
  2. ^ a b c d Appearances in Super Cup
  3. ^ a b c d Appearances in MLS play-offs

Honours

São Paulo

Shakhtar Donetsk

Philadelphia Union

Brazil

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b Mônica Alvernaz (13 July 2019). "Por onde anda Ilsinho, ex-São Paulo, Palmeiras e Internacional". futebolatino.lance.com (in Portuguese). Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  2. ^ "Lateral-direito Ilsinho, ex-Palmeiras e São Paulo, acerta com o Philadelphia Union, dos Estados Unidos". estra.globo.com (in Portuguese). 24 February 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Arbitration CAS CAS 2010/O/2132 Shakhtar Donetsk v. Ilson Pereira Dias Junior, award of 28 September 2011" (PDF). Court of Arbitration for Sport. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  4. ^ Jonathan Wilson (18 September 2009). "Shakhtar Donetsk are hoping money talks in Europe". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk-Barcelona 2009 | Group C Boxscore". uefa.com. 1 October 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Season 2009 | UEFA Champions League". uefa.com. 1 October 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk-Dynamo Kyiv | 2009 History". uefa.com. 7 May 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk-Bremen | 2009 History". uefa.com. 20 May 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  9. ^ Michael Harold (20 May 2009). "First European Trophy Just the Start for Lucescu". uefa.com. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  10. ^ Chris Smith (4 August 2020). "What happened to the Shakhtar Donetsk side that became the 'last' Uefa Cup winners?". squawka.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  11. ^ a b Sam Stejskal (24 February 2016). "Philadelphia Union sign 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ilsinho". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Perto do São Paulo, Ilsinho pode ficar parado até setembro". terra.com.br. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  13. ^ a b "Ilsinho se despede do São Paulo e anuncia acordo com o Internacional". guiame.com.br (in Portuguese). 16 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  14. ^ "Ilsinho signs for Shakhtar". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  15. ^ "Willian and Ilsinho: Shakhtar's position". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  16. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk vs Dnipro 1-1". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  17. ^ "Illichivets' vs Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  18. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk vs Chornomorets 2-0". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  19. ^ "Shakhtar Donetsk vs Arsenal Kyiv 6-0". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  20. ^ "Hoverla vs Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3". Retrieved 8 September 2012.
  21. ^ "Metalist vs Shakhtar 0-2". Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  22. ^ "Shakhtar vs Illichivets 2-1". Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  23. ^ "Ilsinho leaves Shakhtar". shakhtar.com. FC Shakhtar Donetsk. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  24. ^ "Philadelphia Union Sign Brazilian International Ilsinho". Philadelphia Union. 24 February 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  25. ^ Kevin Kinkead (23 June 2017). "The Philadelphia Union are getting zero production from the number ten position". PhillyVoice.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  26. ^ a b c Nick Fishman (13 November 2019). "Season review: Ilsinho redefines what it means to be a "super sub"". PhillySoccerPage.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  27. ^ "OTD 2019: The Ilsinho Game". PhiladelphiaUnion.com. 8 June 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  28. ^ Charles Boehm (3 September 2019). "Ilsinho insanity: Dazzling numbers drive home value of Philly's supersub". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  29. ^ Matthew Doyle (12 January 2020). "Armchair Analyst: One big question for Philadelphia Union". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  30. ^ Jonathan Tannenwald (24 January 2020). "Union re-sign fan favorite Ilsinho to one-year contract". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  31. ^ "Philadelphia Union Announce 2022 Roster Decisions". philadelphiaunion.com. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  32. ^ "Ilsinho announces retirement; to be honored Saturday night". philadelphiaunion.com. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Search - Global Edition - the New York Times". Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2007.
  34. ^ "Brazil v Ghana, 27 March 2007".
  35. ^ "Brazil 1-0 Ghana". www.footballdatabase.eu. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  36. ^ FIFA.com
  37. ^ "Philadelphia Union Complete Transaction With New York City FC". Philadelphia Union Communications. 28 February 2018. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ilsinho". Soccerway. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  39. ^ a b c d e f "Ilsinho » Club matches". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  40. ^ "Philadelphia Union win 2020 MLS Supporters' Shield on regular season's final day". Major League Soccer. 8 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.

External links

Brazil men's football squad – 2008 Summer Olympics – Bronze medalists
2006 Bola de Prata
Categories