Football BaBe
From Parking Cars to Serie A Stardom: Wesley’s Unlikely Path to Roma Glory
In a world where football prodigies often emerge as kids, Wesley‘s story stands out as a testament to perseverance and late-blooming talent. This Roma new signing, who didn’t touch a football until age 17, overcame near-retirement during the pandemic to secure a blockbuster €30 million transfer from Flamengo. His tale inspires dreamers everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to chase your passion in the beautiful game.
- Wesley completes switch to Roma
- Former Flamengo star explained his journey
- Admitted he nearly quit the sport during initial days
Wesley’s Remarkable Rise: From Late Starter to Roma’s €30m Flamengo Transfer Sensation
At just 21, this versatile right-back has defied the odds in a sport that typically favors early bloomers. Starting his serious involvement in football only at 17, he battled through rejections and a global crisis before emerging as a key player for Flamengo. Now, with his high-profile move to Roma, Wesley embodies resilience, having turned moments of doubt into a pathway to European success.
Overcoming Early Hurdles and Pandemic Setbacks
Wesley’s entry into professional football was far from smooth. He began testing his skills in 2017 through youth setups, facing multiple disappointments during trials at clubs like Figueirense and Tubarão. After finally securing a spot at Figueirense, financial troubles at the club prompted him to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted his progress entirely, leading him to consider abandoning the game. Feeling like fate was steering him away from the pitch, he took up a job assisting in a family-run restaurant, handling parking duties while his mother cooked. This phase eroded his confidence, as the sport he’d just embraced seemed doomed by external chaos.
Family Motivation Sparks a Comeback
It was his sister’s persistent encouragement via social media messages-filled with uplifting words-that reignited his drive. By late 2020, after a full year away from training, Wesley returned to Tubarão for a handful of matches. Though playing time was limited, it was enough to create a highlight reel that his agent circulated widely.
This simple video opened doors, attracting interest from various teams. The turning point came in 2021 when Flamengo reached out, transforming his career overnight and setting the stage for international recognition.
Joining Roma: Contract Details and Ambitions in Serie A
Wesley has inked a five-year agreement with the Italian powerhouse, donning the No. 43 shirt. In his debut chat with the club, he expressed admiration for Brazilian legend Cafu, aiming to mirror the icon’s impact in the right-back role during his Roma tenure.
Tactical Versatility and Record-Breaking Status
Primarily favoring a back-four setup, Wesley adapts seamlessly to a wing-back position, offering valuable options for coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His €30 million (£26m/$35m) fee marks him as Roma’s priciest non-EU acquisition ever, underscoring the club’s investment in young talent. Recent updates show Roma bolstering their squad amid a competitive 2024-25 season, with Wesley’s arrival enhancing their defensive depth as they push for top-four finishes in Serie A, where they’ve secured 12 wins in the last 20 matches across competitions.
Looking Ahead: Debut Hopes and Inspirational Legacy
Eager to hit the ground running, Wesley eyes his first appearance in Roma colors during a preseason clash against Cannes, a French lower-league outfit, on July 31. His journey from a reluctant beginner to a multimillion-euro star serves as a fresh analogy-like a dormant seed sprouting under unexpected rain-reminding fans and aspiring players that determination can rewrite any script in football.
