Biography
Who is Walace?
Early life and youth development
Walace Souza Silva was born on April 4, 1995, in Salvador, Brazil. He began his youth football path at Simões Filho Futebol Clube, an amateur academy in his home country. While playing in a cup, a scout from Avaí Futebol Clube noticed his talent. He subsequently joined Avaí the following year.
After joining Avaí, Walace was soon loaned to the under-23 team of Esporte Clube Bahia in the same year. In 2013, he moved to the under-18 squad of Grêmio, a significant step in his developing career. These early moves helped shape his skills before his senior debut.
Club career at Grêmio
Walace was promoted to Grêmio's senior team in 2014 by manager Enderson Moreira. He made his first team debut on April 27, 2014, playing against Atlético Mineiro. In August of that year, he started his first match for the club in a 2–0 loss to Sport Club Internacional, where he was tasked with marking Andrés D'Alessandro. Media reports at the end of the season indicated interest from European clubs like SSC Napoli, FC Porto, and S.L. Benfica.
In 2015, Walace became a regular starter for Grêmio after Roger Machado took over as manager. Grêmio declined an offer from Swiss club FC Basel for his services in June. His contract was extended until 2018 on October 5. He scored his first league goal for the team in July 2016 during a 2–1 victory against Figueirense Futebol Clube. Walace also helped Grêmio win the Copa do Brasil in 2016.
Move to German clubs
On January 31, 2017, Walace made a move to Germany, joining Hamburger SV. He signed a contract that was set to run until 2021. Just eleven days later, he scored his first goal for the German club in a 3–0 win against RB Leipzig, making an immediate impact.
In June 2018, Walace transferred to Hannover 96, a rival club in the same league. He signed a four-year contract with Hannover 96, effective until 2022. The reported transfer fee paid to Hamburger SV was approximately €6 million, with ten percent of this fee going to his former club, Grêmio.
International career and Olympic success
Walace received his first call-up to the senior Brazil national squad in June 2016 for the Copa America tournament. He joined as a replacement for Luiz Gustavo. He played once in the competition, participating in a 7–1 victory over Haiti. This was a significant step in his international career.
The following month, Walace was selected for the Brazil under-23 squad to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics. He filled in for Fred, who was not released by his club, FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Walace featured in four matches during the Olympic tournament. His team ultimately emerged as the winner, earning an Olympic Gold Medal, a major achievement in his career.
Birthday and age
Walace was born on April 4, 1995, which makes Walace 31 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Walace shares the date with 68 other famous people.
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