Willian (footballer, born 1988)
A Brazilian winger whose explosive pace and technical flair defined a career spanning Europe's top leagues and the national team.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: August 9·Millennials
Biography
Born in Ribeirão Pires, Willian Borges da Silva's journey from the futsal courts of Brazil to the pinnacle of European football is a story of relentless drive. His professional breakthrough came at Shakhtar Donetsk, where his dazzling footwork and vision helped the club dominate Ukrainian football. A move to the Premier League with Chelsea cemented his status; there, he became a fan favorite for his direct running, work rate, and crucial goals in big matches, winning two league titles. Later spells at Arsenal and a return to Brazil with Corinthians and Grêmio showcased his enduring class. For the Brazilian national team, his tenacity and skill on the wing made him a fixture in major tournaments, including two World Cups.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Willian was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Willian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Willian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Premier League titles with Chelsea in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons.
- Lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy with Chelsea in 2019.
- Secured four Ukrainian Premier League titles and the UEFA Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk.
- Earned over 70 caps for the Brazilian national team, playing in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
Did You Know?
He is known for being ambidextrous in his daily life but takes penalties primarily with his right foot.
Willian nearly joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 before Chelsea secured his signature at the last minute.
He started his career at Corinthians, making his professional debut at the age of 18.
“I always try to do my best on the pitch, to help my teammates, to score goals, to make assists.”
