Editor’s Note
This article traces the remarkable ascent of defender Willian Pacho, who, just two years after a pivotal Belgian league final, now stands on the brink of Champions League glory with his club—a potential historic first for an Ecuadorian player.
After winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, Willian Pacho could become the first Ecuadorian to win the Champions League. Two years ago, Willian Pacho was preparing to challenge Genk for the title match, which was concluded by Toby Alderweireld’s cannon shot (2-2). Pacho had received instructions from Mark van Bommel to move into the opponent’s penalty area for the final minutes. The long ball that led to the title-winning goal was initially intended for him… In hindsight, the Ecuadorian defender probably thinks that his lost duel with Ouattara was the best thing that could have happened to him that night.
This kind of unexpected and improbable moment somewhat summarizes the character of Willian Pacho, the one nobody expected to reach this level so quickly. Except perhaps for the Antwerp scout, who went to get him in Ecuador in January 2022.
wrote Jerry Vanacker in his notebook after following the Independiente del Valle player for several months when he was only 20 years old.
Vanacker confided to our colleagues at HNB.
Also courted by Borussia Mönchengladbach, the native of Quinindé opted for Belgium… thanks to the German club’s financial situation, which needed to sell before recruiting. But the €5.5 million invested by Antwerp was quickly recouped. First on the field, by establishing himself alongside Toby Alderweireld upon Mark van Bommel’s arrival on the Bosuil bench. The most used outfield player over the entire season, the central defender largely contributed to the cup-championship double before allowing Antwerp to secure a small fortune a few weeks later.
insisted the player after becoming the club’s record sale (the record has since been broken by Arthur Vermeeren): €13.6 million. Off to Germany and Frankfurt, which perfectly sensed his sporting potential and resale value.
German coach Dino Toppmöller quickly noted.
agreed sporting director Markus Krösche.
Strong (1.87m), Pacho impressed with his commitment in duels, his recovery speed, and his ability to win back the ball. In his only season in Frankfurt, he finished the league with 293 balls recovered. That’s the second-highest total in Europe’s top five leagues. But what also attracted PSG (which had to battle with Liverpool) was his sobriety and discretion, which fit perfectly with Luis Enrique’s project.
Luis Enrique
Far from the bling and the superstars who had just left the dressing room, Willian Pacho arrived quietly at the Parc des Princes. Even though PSG still had to pay €40 million.
Not necessarily expected to be an undisputed starter in his first season, the former Antwerp player ultimately needed no adaptation period. And now he has become an essential piece to form, alongside Marquinhos, one of the most solid defensive pairings in Europe.
rejoiced Luis Enrique, who managed to fully exploit his recruit’s potential.
admitted Pacho on ESPN Ecuador, on the eve of the biggest challenge of his young career, which will undoubtedly bring other great moments.