Biography
Who is Willian Pacho?
Early life and beginnings
Willian Joel Pacho Tenorio was born in Rosa Zárate, Ecuador. He began his professional path in the suburbs of the capital city, Quito. In 2019, he debuted for the club Independiente del Valle. This marked the start of a period of significant growth for the young athlete. He gained experience early, featuring in the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores, where he played in almost every match for his team. His defensive capabilities helped the squad secure the Ecuadorian League title in 2021, which was a historic first for the organization.
Transition to European football
In January 2022, the defender moved to Belgium to join Royal Antwerp. He spent his initial season adjusting to the league before becoming a permanent fixture in the team's defensive lineup under coach Mark van Bommel during the 2022–23 season. His performance helped the club qualify for the Belgian Cup Final, which they eventually won against Mechelen. Following this success, he attracted attention from various top-tier leagues across Europe.
By the summer of 2023, he transitioned to the German Bundesliga to play for Eintracht Frankfurt. He signed a five-year agreement with the club and quickly became an integral part of their rotation. During his single season in Germany, he participated in 42 matches across all competitions. His statistics highlighted his effectiveness, particularly regarding his ability to win duels and complete successful passes for his team.
Success with Paris Saint-Germain
In August 2024, Willian Pacho officially joined the French club Paris Saint-Germain. This move made him the first Ecuadorian player to ever represent the team. He made his debut shortly after arriving, participating in a victory over Le Havre. His time in France has been marked by significant collective achievements.
He played a key role in the team's success, including winning the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. In May 2025, he started in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, helping his team secure the championship title. This made him the first Ecuadorian to ever win that specific competition. He also recorded his first career club goal during a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen in October 2025.
International career
The defender has been a consistent member of the Ecuador national football team. Although he was included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he did not appear in any matches during the tournament. He made his official international debut in March 2023, scoring his first goal for his country in a friendly match against Australia. He was also selected for the 2024 Copa América squad and the 2026 FIFA World Cup roster, continuing his commitment to representing Ecuador on the global stage.
Birthday and age
Willian Pacho was born on October 16, 2001, which makes Willian 25 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Willian shares the date with 41 other famous people.
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