Willian (footballer, born 1986)

Willian Gomes de Siqueira (born 1 March 1986), simply known as Willian, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Palmeiras.

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.

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-PR. 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. 

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.

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) and América-RN.

On 26 January 2010, after returning from loan, Willian rescinded his contract with Atlético.

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

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.

Willian scored his first goals for Timão on 13 March 2011, netting a brace in a 3–2 away win against Mirassol. 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.

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

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

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. 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. Roughly one year later, he was bought outright for a fee of €3.5 million; 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.

Career statistics

Honours

Club
Corinthians
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2011
Copa Libertadores: 2012

Cruzeiro
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2013, 2014
Campeonato Mineiro: 2014

Palmeiras
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2018

Individual
Campeonato Catarinense Best player: 2010
Campeonato Catarinense Team of the year: 2010

References

External links

Furacão profile 

Category:1986 births
Category:Living people
Category:Brazilian footballers
Category:Association football forwards
Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A players
Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série B players
Category:Guarani FC players
Category:Club Athletico Paranaense players
Category:Vila Nova Futebol Clube players
Category:Figueirense FC players
Category:Sport Club Corinthians Paulista players
Category:Cruzeiro Esporte Clube players
Category:Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras players
Category:Ukrainian Premier League players
Category:FC Metalist Kharkiv players
Category:Brazilian expatriate footballers
Category:Expatriate footballers in Ukraine
Category:Brazilian expatriate sportspeople in Ukraine