The transfer of Willian Pacho to Paris Saint-Germain on 9 August 2024 established him as the first Ecuadorian player to represent the club. Signed for an upfront fee of 40 million euros, the defender arrived in Ligue 1 with a professional trajectory that began in the suburbs of Quito before expanding across Europe’s top-tier leagues.
Early Development in Ecuador
Born in 2001 in Rosa Zárate, Quinindé Canton, Pacho started his professional journey with Independiente del Valle. After serving as a substitute during the 2018 U-20 Copa Libertadores campaign, he debuted for the first team in November 2019 against Delfin. His development continued through the 2020 U-20 Copa Libertadores, where he started in the final against River Plate. By 2021, he contributed to the club's first Ecuadorian Serie A title, participating in 17 matches during that season.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to European Football
Pacho moved to Royal Antwerp on 28 January 2022, signing a five-year deal. His initial season under Brian Priske was limited to three league appearances. However, he established himself as a core defensive member during the 2022–23 season under coach Mark van Bommel. This period included a victory in the 2023 Belgian Cup Final against Mechelen. His performance attracted interest from various European leagues, leading to a January 2023 agreement to join Eintracht Frankfurt.
Success in Germany and France
Following his 2024 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, he made his debut in a 4–1 win over Le Havre on 16 August. In 2025, he started in the Champions League final, a 5–0 victory against Inter Milan, and recorded his first career club goal against Bayer Leverkusen on 21 October 2025.
International Representation
Pacho made his debut for the Ecuador senior team on 28 March 2023 during a friendly match in Melbourne, scoring in a 2–1 victory against Australia. He was previously included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, though he did not appear in any matches. He has subsequently been named to international tournament rosters, including the 2024 Copa América and the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Fast facts
- Born: 2001, Rosa Zárate, Ecuador
- Professional debut: 2019, Independiente del Valle
- Belgian Cup winner: 2023, Royal Antwerp
- Eintracht Frankfurt contract start: 1 June 2023
- Paris Saint-Germain signing date: 9 August 2024
- International debut: 28 March 2023
- First club goal: 21 October 2025
Questions readers ask
Is his name Willian or William?
His legal name is Willian Joel Pacho Tenorio, though it is often mistakenly listed as William due to the interchangeable nature of the names in Spanish.
Which major European trophies has Pacho won?
With Paris Saint-Germain, he won the Champions League in 2025 and 2026, the UEFA Super Cup in 2025 and 2026, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2025.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
