Who Is Willian Pacho and How He Became PSG’s Key Defender
Few football fans outside Germany or South America knew much about Willian Pacho before 2024. The Ecuadorian center-back made a name for himself in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, but it wasn’t until Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured his transfer that he truly entered the global football spotlight. Now, he is not just a regular starter but one of the most reliable defenders in the French club’s backline.
PSG’s need for a new center-back was obvious in the summer of 2024. Lucas Hernández was sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, Presnel Kimpembe was still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, and Milan Škriniar struggled to fit into Luis Enrique’s tactical system. Young Lucas Beraldo showed promise but lacked experience for a starting role. This left PSG with only Marquinhos as a reliable option, making the signing of Pacho a necessity. By the way, on Bet Naija, you can check football predictions and follow PSG matches. Plus, on the Beton.ng portal, you can find a guide on how to play Bet Naija.
His transition from Ecuador to Europe was impressive. After starting at Independiente del Valle—Ecuador’s best football academy—he moved to Belgian club Royal Antwerp in 2022 for just €5.57 million. In his first full season, he became the team’s most-used outfield player. Eintracht Frankfurt recognized his potential and signed him in 2023 for €13.65 million. Again, he led his new club in minutes played during the 2023/24 season, proving his consistency and durability.
At PSG, he has continued this trend, already accumulating over 2,700 minutes in all competitions for the 2024/25 season. He has outplayed even seasoned teammates like Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha in terms of playing time, cementing himself as a crucial figure in Enrique’s system. While Marquinhos takes charge of PSG’s build-up play, Pacho provides the physicality and defensive stability. His aerial ability, anticipation, and defensive discipline make him one of the most effective defenders in Ligue 1.
Despite his strengths, Pacho still has areas for improvement. His passing range remains limited, especially compared to Marquinhos, who excels at distributing the ball forward. While Pacho can handle basic buildup play, he needs to refine his vision and passing variety to reach the next level.
Beyond his on-field abilities, Pacho’s journey is a remarkable story of perseverance. He grew up in Quinindé, an impoverished Ecuadorian town plagued by crime and drug trafficking. Football was his escape, and his discipline and work ethic set him apart from a young age. Despite early setbacks, including rejected trials due to his quiet personality, he eventually secured a place at Independiente del Valle.
Now, at 23, he has become Ecuador’s national team captain and a role model for young players. His rapid rise from a struggling neighborhood to the elite level of European football is a testament to his talent and determination.
With Lucas Hernández returning from injury, competition for a starting spot at PSG will intensify. However, Pacho’s reliability and fitness give him an edge—he has not missed a single game due to injury since the 2022/23 season. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could soon be recognized as one of the top defenders in world football.
