Willian
Willian with Palmeiras in 2018
Personal information
Full name Willian Gomes de Siqueira
Date of birth (1986-11-19) 19 November 1986 (age 37)
Place of birth Três Fronteiras, Brazil
Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Santos
(on loan from Fluminense)
Youth career
2002–2003 Guarani
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2005 Guarani 18 (2)
2006–2010 Atlético Paranaense 47 (9)
2009 → Vila Nova (loan) 29 (8)
2010–2012 Tombense 0 (0)
2010 → Figueirense (loan) 49 (25)
2011–2012 → Corinthians (loan) 71 (15)
2012–2014 Metalist Kharkiv 25 (4)
2013–2014 → Cruzeiro (loan) 51 (10)
2014–2017 Cruzeiro 90 (18)
2017–2021 Palmeiras 189 (50)
2022– Fluminense 45 (4)
2023 → Athletico Paranaense (loan) 18 (4)
2024– → Santos (loan) 10 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 02:40, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Willian Gomes de Siqueira (born 19 November 1986), simply known as Willian, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Santos, on loan from Fluminense.

Club career

Early career

Born in Três Fronteiras, São Paulo, Willian joined Guarani's youth setup in 2002. He made his first team – and Série A – debut on 22 August 2004, coming on as a second half substitute for Sandro Hiroshi in a 1–1 home draw against Vasco da Gama.[1]

Willian appeared rarely for the club during the season, as his side suffered relegation. He appeared more regularly in the following year, but was still sparingly used.

Atlético Paranaense

On 23 December 2005, Willian signed for Atlético Paranaense.[2] He scored his first goal in the top tier for the club on 30 August 2006, netting the winner in a 2–1 home win against Santos.[3]

Willian was rarely used in the following years, also suffering a knee injury in 2007. On 3 February 2009, he was loaned to Vila Nova until December.[4]

While on loan, Willian scored eight goals during the year's Série B, being the club's top goalscorer as his side avoided relegation. Highlights included braces against Campinense (two times)[5][6] and América de Natal.[7]

On 26 January 2010, after returning from loan, Willian rescinded his contract with Atlético.[8]

Figueirense

In February 2010, Willian joined Figueirense.[9] He was the top goalscorer of Campeonato Catarinense with 13 goals in only 15 matches, being also elected the best player of the tournament.[10]

Willian also scored a further 12 goals during the Série B championship, being one of the key units as the club achieved top level promotion as second.

Corinthians

On 3 January 2011, Willian signed for Corinthians, with Atlético still retaining part ownership. He made his debut for the club late in the month, replacing Morais in a 2–2 draw at São Bernardo.[11]

Willian scored his first goals for Timão on 13 March 2011, netting a brace in a 3–2 away win against Mirassol.[12] Mainly used as a substitute during the Campeonato Paulista, he became a regular starter for the club during the year's Brasileirão; he scored a double in a 2–0 home win against Fluminense on 12 June.[13]

Willian also appeared regularly in 2012 Copa Libertadores, helping Corinthians to lift their first-ever title in the competition.

Metalist Kharkiv

Willian in a match with Metalist Kharkiv in 2012.

On 2 July 2012, Willian moved abroad, signing for Ukrainian Premier League club FC Metalist Kharkiv.[14] He scored his first goal abroad on 18 August, netting the second in a 3–0 win at FC Hoverla Uzhhorod.[15]

Willian made his continental debut on 23 August 2012, starting in a 2–0 away win against FC Dinamo București in the UEFA Europa League.[16] Again mainly used as a substitute, he returned to his homeland in the following year.

Cruzeiro

On 14 July 2013, Willian signed a one-year loan deal with Cruzeiro, with Diego Souza moving permanently in the opposite direction.[17] Roughly one year later, he was bought outright for a fee of €3.5 million;[18] he also appeared regularly as his side achieved back-to-back Brasileirão titles in 2013 and 2014.

During the 2015 campaign, Willian became an undisputed starter under new manager Mano Menezes; during the manager's debut on 6 September, he scored four goals in a 5–1 home routing of Figueirense.[19]

Palmeiras

Willian playing for Palmeiras in 2018

On 11 January 2017, Willian signed for Palmeiras after being involved in an exchange with Robinho.[20] Regularly used in his first year, he won the 2018 Série A with the club, and finished the year with 17 goals overall.

After scoring another 16 goals in 2018, Willian spent the most of the 2019 campaign sidelined due to a knee injury.[21] In the 2020 season, he won the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores, but did not feature in the latter's Final.

On 26 June 2021, Willian renewed his contract with Verdão until December 2022.[22] On 20 December, however, he left the club amidst an offer from Fluminense.[23]

Fluminense

On 21 December 2021, Willian was announced at Flu on a two-year deal.[24] He scored his first goal for the club on 10 February 2022, netting the equalizer in a 2–1 Campeonato Carioca home win over rivals Botafogo.[25]

Mainly a backup to Germán Cano, Willian won two consecutive Carioca titles with the club, but featured very rarely in the 2023 campaign.

Loan to Athletico Paranaense

On 20 March 2023, Fluminense announced the loan of Willian to Athletico Paranaense until the end of the year.[26] He was also a backup option during his second spell at Furacão, but still scored four goals.

Loan to Santos

On 28 December 2023, Santos announced the signing of Willian on a one-year loan deal.[27] He made his debut for the club the following 20 January, replacing Julio Furch in a 1–0 away win over Botafogo-SP.[28]

Willian scored his first goal for Peixe on 11 February 2024, netting his team's second in a 2–2 away draw against Mirassol.[29]

Career statistics

As of 10 March 2024[30]
Club Season League State League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Guarani 2004[31] Série A 7 0 — 0 0 — — 7 0
2005[31] Série B 7 1 4 1 0 0 — — 11 2
Subtotal 14 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 2
Atlético Paranaense 2006 Série A 15 4 3 1 1 0 0 0 — 19 5
2007 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 5 1
2008 6 0 18 3 1 0 0 0 — 25 3
Subtotal 26 5 21 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 49 9
Vila Nova (loan) 2009[32] Série B 29 8 0 0 0 0 — — 29 8
Figueirense 2010 Série B 34 12 15 13 — — — 49 25
Corinthians 2011 Série A 36 6 16 4 — 0 0 — 52 10
2012 5 0 14 5 — 8[a] 0 — 27 5
Subtotal 41 6 30 9 0 0 8 0 0 0 79 15
Metalist Kharkiv 2012–13 Premier League 25 4 — 2 0 10[b] 0 — 37 4
Cruzeiro 2013 Série A 26 7 — 2 1 — — 28 8
2014 27 2 13 3 7 4 9[a] 1 — 56 10
2015 30 11 7 1 0 0 9[a] 1 — 46 13
2016 33 4 5 0 8 3 — 1[c] 0 47 7
Subtotal 116 24 25 4 15 8 18 2 1 0 177 38
Palmeiras 2017 Série A 26 7 16 5 3 1 7[a] 4 — 52 17
2018 32 10 17 4 6 1 10[a] 1 — 65 16
2019 22 4 0 0 2 0 4[a] 0 — 28 4
2020 32 7 16 6 7 0 10[a] 4 2[d] 0 67 17
2021 20 4 8 3 2 1 4[a] 2 1[e] 0 35 10
Subtotal 132 32 57 18 20 3 35 11 3 0 247 64
Fluminense 2022 Série A 28 3 12 1 3 0 9[f] 2 — 52 6
2023 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 — 5 0
Subtotal 28 3 17 1 3 0 9 2 — 57 6
Athletico Paranaense (loan) 2023 Série A 18 4 — 3 0 2[a] 0 — 23 4
Santos (loan) 2024 Série B 0 0 10 2 — — — 10 2
Career total 404 88 162 48 38 9 70 13 4 0 679 152
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in Primeira Liga
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in FIFA Club World Cup
  5. ^ Appearance(s) in Recopa Sudamericana
  6. ^ Four appearances and one goal in Copa Libertadores, five appearances and one goal in Copa Sudamericana

Honours

Club

Corinthians
Cruzeiro
Palmeiras
Fluminense

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Vasco empata com Guarani no último minuto" [Vasco draw with Guarani in the last minute] (in Portuguese). UOL Esporte. 22 August 2004. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  2. ^ "Atlético contrata atacante Willian, do Guarani" [Atlético sign forward Willian, from Guarani] (in Portuguese). Furacão.com. 23 December 2005. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Atlético-PR vence o Santos e 'tira' rival da ponta" [Atlético-PR defeat Santos and 'take off' rival from the top] (in Portuguese). UOL Esporte. 30 August 2006. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  4. ^ "Atlético empresta atacante Willian ao Vila Nova" [Atlético loan forward Willian to Vila Nova] (in Portuguese). Furacão.com. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  5. ^ "Vila Nova encerra má fase, vira sobre lanterna e deixa zona de rebaixamento" [Vila Nova end poor run, complete comeback over last placed and leave relegation zone] (in Portuguese). UOL Esporte. 25 July 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  6. ^ "Na semana de seu aniversário, Vila Nova-GO vence e complica América-RN" [In the week of their anniversary, Vila Nova-GO defeat and complicate América-RN] (in Portuguese). UOL Esporte. 31 July 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  7. ^ "Campinense abre 2 a 0, mas cochila no 2º tempo e leva virada do Vila Nova" [Campinense open a 2–0, but black out in the second half and suffer comeback from Vila Nova] (in Portuguese). UOL Esporte. 24 October 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  8. ^ "Willian rescinde contrato com o Atlético" [Willian rescinds contract with Atlético] (in Portuguese). Furacão.com. 26 January 2010. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  9. ^ "Figueirense anuncia a contratação do atacante Willian" [Figueirense announce the signing of forward Willian] (in Portuguese). Clic RBS. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  10. ^ a b c "Atacante Willian, do Figueirense, é escolhido como o craque do Campeonato Catarinense 2010" [Forward Willian, from Figueirense, is chosen as the best player of Campeonato Catarinense 2010] (in Portuguese). Zero Hora. 4 May 2010. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  11. ^ "Xará de Lula, Luiz Ramírez brilha e dá empate ao Timão em São Bernardo" [Lula's namesake, Luiz Ramírez shines and gives draw to Timão in São Bernardo] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 30 January 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  12. ^ "Nos acréscimos, Timão consegue vitória suada sobre o Mirassol" [In the stoppage time, Timão get sweaty win over Mirassol] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 13 March 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  13. ^ "Na estreia de Abel, Willian brilha, faz dois e dá vitória ao Timão sobre o Flu" [In Abel's debut, Willian shines, scores twice and gives victory to Timão over Flu] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 12 June 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  14. ^ "Próximo a deixar o Timão: Willian acerta com o Metalist" [Next one to leave Timão: Willian signs with Metalist] (in Portuguese). Lance!. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  15. ^ Говерла 0:3 Металіст [Hoverla 0–3 Metalist] (in Ukrainian). Ukrainian Premier League. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  16. ^ "Dinamo București 0–2 Metalist". UEFA.com. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  17. ^ "Sai Diego Souza, entra Willian. Cruzeiro acerta com o atacante" [Diego Souza out, Willian in. Cruzeiro sign the forward] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 14 July 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  18. ^ "Cruzeiro se acerta com Metalist-UCR e compra direitos econômicos de Willian" [Cruzeiro agree with Metalist-UKR and buy federative rights of Willian] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 26 July 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  19. ^ "Manhã do Bigode: na estreia de Mano, Willian rouba cena e marca quatro sobre o Figueira" [Bigode's morning: in Mano's debut, Willian steals the show and scores four over Figueira] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 6 September 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  20. ^ "Palmeiras fecha com Willian Bigode e garante permanência de Fabiano" [Palmeiras sign with Willian Bigode and assure permanence of Fabiano] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Gazeta Esportiva. 11 January 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  21. ^ ""Cuidei para não remoer sentimento", diz Willian Bigode" ["I took care of myself to not dwell on any feelings", says Willian Bigode] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Terra. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  22. ^ "Verdão garante Willian para 2022; Zé Rafael, Veiga e Rony também renovam contratos" [Verdão assure Willian for 2022; Zé Rafael, Veiga and Rony also renew contracts] (in Brazilian Portuguese). SE Palmeiras. 26 June 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  23. ^ "Willian se despede do Palmeiras após cinco anos: "Estará sempre no meu coração"" [Willian bids farewell from Palmeiras after five years: "Always in my heart"] (in Brazilian Portuguese). ge. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  24. ^ "Fluminense acerta a contratação do atacante Willian Bigode" [Fluminense sign forward Willian Bigode] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Fluminense FC. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  25. ^ "Willian comemora primeiro gol pelo Fluminense e elogia elenco em virada no clássico: 'Espírito competitivo'" [Willian celebrates first goal for Fluminense and praises squad in the comeback in derby: 'Competitive spirit'] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Lance!. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  26. ^ "NOTA OFICIAL - Willian Bigode" [OFFICIAL NOTE - Willian Bigode] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Fluminense FC. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  27. ^ "Santos FC acerta contratação de atacante Willian Bigode" [Santos FC sign forward Willian Bigode] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Santos FC. 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  28. ^ "Recomeço: Santos vence Botafogo-SP na estreia do Paulistão com golaço de Otero" [Fresh start: Santos defeat Botafogo-SP on Paulistão debut with a great goal from Otero] (in Brazilian Portuguese). ge. 20 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  29. ^ "Willian Bigode celebra primeiro gol pelo Santos, mas admite má partida da equipe" [Willian Bigode celebrates first goal for Santos, but admits poor match of the team] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Diário do Peixe. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  30. ^ Willian at Soccerway. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  31. ^ a b "Willian" (in Portuguese). Jogos do Guarani. 8 November 2016.
  32. ^ "Willian" (in Portuguese). Futebol de Goyaz. Retrieved 9 November 2016.

External links

Santos FC – current squad
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