Willian Pacho #6

Profile

From the humble streets of Quinindé, Pacho rose meteorically from Independiente del Valle to conquer Europe, becoming the first Ecuadorian to win the Champions League with PSG's historic 5-0 thrashing of Inter last year. He’s known for being humble and respectful, qualities he says were instilled early on. “My mum always instilled in me that you have to respect people always, be kind on and off the pitch … I've always said that, above all things, you have to respect everyone.” She died when she was 51 and his No 51 shirt honours her memory. Also watch out for his trademark wrist bandage – a lucky charm from a hand injury sustained at Antwerp. “I fractured my hand, then I had to bandage it, and right after I scored a goal against Australia. Since then I’ve always used the bandage, because it feels good.” His first senior Ecuador call-up shocked him, as he had not made any appearances at youth level. “I went straight to the first senior call, it was incredible, I didn't expect it … I called my family, told them and they all screamed, they were so happy.” Similarly, when he joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024: “I called my sisters, and they cried a lot.”

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