Willian

Willian Borges da Silva, known simply as Willian, was born on August 9, 1988, in Ribeirão Pires, São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in Brazil and developed an early passion for football, joining Corinthians' youth academy at the age of 10. His upbringing in football-crazed Brazil played a key role in shaping his career.

Willian transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk in August 2007. The move to Shakhtar marked the beginning of his successful international career. At Shakhtar, Willian won numerous titles including the Ukrainian Premier League and the UEFA Cup, showcasing his skills on the European stage.

Willian made his professional debut for Corinthians in 2007. As a talented young midfielder, he quickly established himself as a promising talent in Brazilian football. His performance in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A caught the attention of international scouts.

On August 25, 2013, Willian signed for Premier League club Chelsea. The transfer was heavily contested, and he joined Chelsea from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee of £30 million. Willian became an integral part of Chelsea’s squad, helping them win the Premier League title.

The Chelsea fanbase recognized Willian's exceptional contributions to the team by voting him as the club's Player of the Year for the 2015-2016 season. Despite the team's overall struggles that season, Willian remained a standout performer with his skill and dedication.

Willian won his first Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2014-15 season. Under the management of José Mourinho, Willian played a significant role in Chelsea's success, offering versatility and creativity both as a winger and a playmaker.

Willian was part of the Chelsea squad that won the 2018-2019 UEFA Europa League, defeating Arsenal in the final. The victory added another major trophy to Willian's collection at Chelsea, showcasing his importance to the team as a seasoned midfielder.

In August 2020, Willian signed a three-year contract with Arsenal after leaving Chelsea as a free agent. The Brazilian midfielder's move was seen as a significant acquisition for Arsenal, bringing his experience and winning mentality to the Emirates Stadium.

After just one season at Arsenal, Willian left the club by mutual consent. He returned to his boyhood club Corinthians, marking a nostalgic and emotional move back to Brazil. This return was aimed at reigniting his passion for football.

In September 2022, Willian joined Fulham on a free transfer, marking his return to the English Premier League. His experience and skill as a winger were expected to strengthen Fulham's attacking options in their campaign for survival in the top-flight league.