Football in Ecuador often tells stories of resilience, and Willian Pacho’s journey stands as a shining example of the idea that “everything is possible.” Born in one of the humblest corners of Quinindé, a small town in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas province, Willian Pacho’s dream was never just his own. It was a shared vision, rooted in his struggles and carried by his family, especially his mother, Glenda, who stood by his side and faced countless challenges alongside him.
Heartbreak and Hope: Willian Pacho’s Inspiring Life Story. Photo Credit: extra.ec
Fate dealt a devastating blow on the day of Willian Pacho’s professional debut. It should have been the happiest moment of his life, a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Instead, November 2nd 2019, became the day he faced two monumental challenges: stepping onto the pitch for his first senior match and grappling with the loss of his beloved mother, Glenda, who passed away that same day as a result of breast cancer.
Glenda wasn’t just his mother; she was his biggest cheerleader and inspiration. Willian had imagined her watching proudly as he made his debut, alongside his sisters, Sonia and Gissella, who continue to be his strongest supporters. Her absence on that day turned his triumph into heartbreak, a painful reminder that success can sometimes feel empty when the person you wanted to share it with the most is no longer there.
Despite this profound loss, Pacho found the strength to move forward. His story, rooted in pain but fueled by determination, reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. Willian Pacho’s life is more than a football success story; it’s a journey that inspires us to believe in ourselves, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. This article delves deeper into his incredible rise from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope for many.
Preamble:
To truly understand a rising star like Willian Pacho, you need to look beyond his performances on the pitch. This article dives into the untold side of his life, introducing you to the people who shaped him, his late mother, Glenda Pacho, his father, and his supportive sisters, Sonia and Gissella.
We’ll take you through his family background, roots, and ethnicity, giving you a glimpse into the foundation of his incredible journey. From his grassroots beginnings to his impressive rise in football, we’ll also uncover details like Willian Pacho’s salary at PSG and the standout defensive traits that make him a true gem in the sport.
As always, we’re excited to fuel your love for football autobiographies by sharing the incredible story of Willian Pacho. But this isn’t just another football story as it’s a journey that paints every detail of Pacho’s rise, from his tough beginnings to his moment of fame.
We’re kicking off with a photo gallery that captures his path, starting from his early days grinding it out with his best friend, Moisés Caicedo, all the way to his breakthrough in Europe. This baller from Quinindé has truly come a long way, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the story that will leave you amazed.
From humble beginnings to stardom: A journey through Willian Pacho’s childhood, struggles, and rise to football greatness. Image: Instagram@pachowillian
Childhood Story:
Let’s kick things off with a look at Willian Pacho, the Baller known by the nickname “The Destroyer”. His full name is Willian Joel Pacho Tenorio, and he was born on October 16, 2001, in Quinindé, Ecuador, to his loving mother, Glenda Pacho, and his father.
Meet the heart and soul behind Willian Pacho’s journey, his incredible parents. Their love and guidance laid the foundation for the footballer he’s become today.
Though the late Glenda and her husband couldn’t offer their son the material riches of the world, they gave him something far more precious: a spirit of patience, endurance, and reverence. Glenda was Willian Pacho’s greatest supporter, and sadly, she is no longer with us. Yet, her legacy lives on, and the lessons she taught him continue to shape the footballer he has become.
On March 14, 2018, just one year before her passing, Willian captured this heartfelt photo with his mother as they celebrated her birthday. A moment frozen in time, representing the bond they shared and the love that still fuels his journey.
Little did they know, this would be one of their final celebrations together. A bond that transcends time, her spirit forever lives on in Willian’s heart and in every triumph he achieves.
Where it all Began:
Willian Pacho built his football dreams on one of the humblest fields in Ecuador. The rustic Huracán field in the Valle Alto sector of Quinindé was where it all began. Even to this day, that modest ground still carries the hopes of many children and young players in the community. Huracán, a small football club in Quinindé, was where talents like Willian Pacho were nurtured. Seeing one of their own sign with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a historic moment for the club and a source of pride for the local football community.
Today, every kids of Huracán train harder, and they want to follow in Pacho’s footsteps. They are inspired by one of their own (Willian Pacho), who made it to Europe. Pacho’s move to PSG has brought fresh motivation to dozens of young footballers in the whole of Quinindé, sparking celebrations and renewed hope for their own football dreams.
Boys from his neighbourhood gather here on a daily basis, inspired to follow in Willian Pacho’s footsteps and turn their dreams into reality, just like he did years ago. Image Credit: Luis Cheme / Expreso
Pacho’s Heartbreaking Loss: The Death of His Mum on His Debut:
On November 2nd, 2019, Willian Pacho had no idea that his life was about to change in more ways than one. It was a day he had dreamt of for so long – his professional debut with Independiente del Valle’s senior team. The match was against Delfín, a momentous occasion for the young defender who had worked tirelessly in the youth divisions. He was determined to give his best, driven by the thought that his family, especially his beloved mother, Glenda, would be watching him play on television.
Before the match, Willian’s sisters, Sonia and Gissella, reassured him that their mother would indeed be watching from home, trying to ease his worries about her health and keep him focused on the game. They didn’t want him to carry the burden of fear, not knowing that Glenda was fighting for her life in the moments leading up to the match. Tragically, while Willian was out on the pitch, giving his all, his mother passed away, never having the chance to see her son’s dream come true.
Coming to terms with the heartbreaking loss of his mother was a challenge Willian Pacho couldn’t handle in that moment. After the match, his brother-in-law, Henry Paillacho, and his sister Sonia met with him to break the devastating news. The pain was too much for the 18-year-old footballer to bear. Overwhelmed with grief, Willian fainted, collapsing to the ground. He was later revived, but the weight of the tragedy still hung heavy on him. The young defender spent the rest of the day in tears, unable to stop crying as the reality of his loss sank in. Breast cancer took Glenda from this world at the age of 52, just before she could see her son shine in the first division.
Honoring Glenda Pacho:
Exactly four months after the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Willian Pacho achieved a monumental success. He lifted the U-20 Copa Libertadores with Independiente del Valle, a victory his mother, Glenda, could not witness. Despite her passing, Pacho carries her spirit with him everywhere he goes. He had t-shirts made with her face and the words “You are my warrior” printed on them, holding one up proudly next to the trophy. On this poignant day, as Pacho and his family marked the four-month anniversary of Glenda’s death, he dedicated this victory to her.
The Pacho family, gathered in remembrance of their beloved Glenda, celebrate her spirit with love and gratitude. Image Credit: ExpresoEC
Sonia, the eldest of Willian Pacho’s siblings, shares a deep bond with her brother. In the photo below, she stands alongside him, proudly displaying the t-shirt they had printed with their late mother’s face. Willian’s smile radiates joy as he celebrates winning the under-20 Copa Libertadores in Paraguay. Despite the triumph, there’s a profound pain in his heart. He won the coveted trophy alongside his best friend, Moisés Caicedo, but it was bittersweet for Pacho, whose mother had passed away just months earlier from cancer.
“I dedicated the win to her,” Pacho says. “If she were here, she’d tell me that she always believed in me, that she’s proud of me, that she watched all the games on TV. We watched the final at my house. The emotion of victory was mixed with the sadness of losing her.” Sonia adds, “William had a t-shirt made with her photo to dedicate the cup to her there. She was with us in spirit, and that victory was for her.”
Though she is no longer physically with them, her presence is deeply felt in every moment. Sonia and Willian honours her memory, carrying her strength and pride with them always. Image Credit: ExpresoEC
Willian Pacho’s Origin:
Quinindé, nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Province, is a place alive with rich Afro-Ecuadorian culture. It’s a town where indigenous and African influences blend seamlessly, seen in everything from music and dance to its passionate love for football. Willian Pacho, who hails from this very region, carries with him the warmth and welcoming spirit of Quinindé’s tight-knit community. The people here are deeply rooted in family values and hold a profound pride in their local traditions. It’s in this vibrant town that Pacho’s journey began, his humble roots that shaped him into the footballer he is today. Below is a map of Quinindé, marking the origins of the athlete’s remarkable rise.
A map of Quinindé, the hometown of Willian Pacho, showcasing his humble beginnings. Image Credit: GoogleMap, Ciudad Quininde.
Ethnicity:
Willian Pacho is an Afro-Ecuadorian and his ethnicity reflects a blend of African and Indigenous roots, deeply influencing his cultural identity. Growing up in this diverse and vibrant Quinindé community, Pacho is proud of his heritage, which continues to shape him both on and off the field. Willian Pacho proudly stands alongside fellow Afro-Ecuadorian footballers like Gonzalo Plata and Pervis Estupiñán. Their shared heritage reflects the strength and resilience of the Afro-Ecuadorian community, bringing cultural pride to Ecuador on the global stage.
Career Buildup:
As a young boy, Willian dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. At just 11 years old, he left his family home to chase that dream. He moved between different football camps in the Quinindé community, searching for one that would accept and welcome him.
The kids and young players at Huracán Football Club welcomed Willian with open arms. This modest soccer academy in Quinindé was founded by Byron Cedeño in 2008. Willian joined in 2011 after spending time at the Alfaro Moreno Quinindé school. The club’s headquarters was a simple dirt field, covered with dry weeds instead of grass. Located in the Valle Alto neighbourhood on the outskirts of Quinindé, it became the foundation for his journey. Today, the academy trains over 100 children of all ages. With the motto “A club that makes history,” Pacho remains a proud inspiration for the young players.
Willian Pacho’s journey to Huracán Football Club began with a simple request. Club founder Byron Cedeño recalls,
“He came one day and told me, ‘Teacher, I want to train here.’”
At the time, Pacho was playing in the under-12 category. However, his impressive height of nearly 1.70 meters made the coach consider moving him to the under-16 team. Pacho, though, refused. He wanted to go through every stage of his development without skipping steps. During his formative years at the club, he treated football like a job. His dedication and maturity earned him the respect of his teammates, even at such a young age.
Back then, Pacho stood out not just for his skills but for his leadership. He acted like an older brother, always encouraging his teammates to improve, a role usually taken by a coach. His former teammates at Huracán believed that Willian was destined for greatness. They admired his resilience, his refusal to give up, and his relentless hard work.
The Broken Heart:
In his mid-teens, Pacho became deeply determined to succeed in football and join a top club in Ecuador. However, 2015 brought a heartbreaking moment in his life. At just 14 years old, the young center-back returned to his home in Quinindé with a heavy heart after failing a trial. Liga de Quito had closed its doors to him.
Despite this setback, Pacho’s passion for football never wavered. The dream of signing for a professional club stayed alive in his heart, fueling his resolve to keep pushing forward.
Trying out other opportunities:
Byron Cedeño, a former footballer and Pacho’s first coach at the Huracán club, became his greatest support during this uncertain time. He was more than a mentor, also an ally who believed in Pacho’s potential. Together, they came up with a bold plan to give him another shot at joining a more competitive team.
After the disappointment, Coach Cedeño decided to personally take Pacho to Ambato for trials with Mushuc Runa, a professional football club in Ecuador. Surprisingly, Pacho’s family opposed the idea. They were protective and worried about letting him travel so far at such a young age.
Pacho’s older sister had to intervene and take him away from Coach Byron Cedeño at the Quito terminal, just before they boarded the bus to Ambato. She followed strict instructions from their mother, who didn’t want her son spending even a single night away from home.
Determined to keep his dreams alive, Pacho and his coach chose another day to make the journey. This time, they left in secret, without his mother knowing. It was a bold move for a boy who was used to being locked inside the house by 7:00 p.m.
The Trial:
Thankfully, opportunities for trials came along, and Pacho realized he needed to sacrifice a year of school to pursue his football dreams. Despite this decision, Tonny Ramírez, the deputy director of Unidad Educativa 3 de Julio (where Pacho studied from first to ninth grade), supported him.
Ramírez fondly remembers Pacho as a boy who always had a ball at his feet.
“Willian Joel Pacho Tenorio was a respectful and reserved teenager who didn’t talk much. While he sometimes neglected his studies for soccer, he was an average student who always remained disciplined,” he recalls.
One morning, Coach Cedeño arrived at Unidad Educativa 3 de Julio, where Pacho studied. With the support of Tonny Ramírez, his physical education teacher and vice-principal, he took Pacho out of class to seize an opportunity that would change his life.
Pacho and a group of boys boarded a bus to Puerto Quito, where scouts from Independiente del Valle were waiting to evaluate their talents. For Pacho, this was his last chance to join a big club, and he made sure not to let it slip away. Pictured here, looking determined, it was a make-or-break moment for Pacho. All he wanted was to join a top academy in Ecuador, one that could become his ticket to Europe if he worked hard and fulfilled his part of the dream.
Willian Pacho lines up with his teammates, ready to showcase his talent at the crucial Independiente del Valle trials, a defining moment in his journey toward football greatness. Expreso EC
The trial results were immediate, and Pacho impressed the talent scouts with his exceptional performance. He passed three tests after playing three games, securing his place at the High-Performance Center of Independiente del Valle in Chillo Jijón, Sangolquí.
Willian stayed at Huracán until late 2016 before joining Independiente del Valle. Founded in 1958, the club is one of Ecuador’s most exciting and renowned teams, based in Sangolquí near Quito. Known for its outstanding youth development, it has produced stars like Willian Pacho and Moisés Caicedo.
Path to Fame:
When Pacho joined Independiente del Valle’s youth setup, he met Moisés Caicedo, who became more than just a teammate, they became close friends. The two lived together in an apartment in Valle de Los Chillos, near the club’s training complex. Moisés had started his youth career at the local club Colorados Jaipadida before moving to Independiente del Valle in 2016 to further his development.
If you’re looking for a football friendship that began early and has stood the test of time, look no further than Moisés Caicedo and Willian Pacho. These former roommates shared struggles during the days when their talent was still unknown. Together, they pushed through challenges, carried their unwavering mentality, and rose to become successful footballers, with Caicedo shining at Chelsea and Pacho making his mark at PSG.
From dreaming together as kids at the academy to conquering the world as pros. Moisés and Willian’s bond is a story of resilience, friendship, and shared success.
Early Years at Independiente del Valle
Pacho started full training with Independiente del Valle’s youth teams in 2017. In 2018, he helped the team reach the final of the U-20 Copa Libertadores but finished as runner-up after losing to Nacional from Uruguay. His long-awaited first-team debut came in November 2019, when he started in a 0–0 draw against Delfín.
At the time of his debut, Pacho faced his greatest challenge, losing his mother. Coming to terms with that loss was far harder than the weight of professional football. Much like Evanilson, who faced a similar loss early in his career, Pacho was overwhelmed by pain and uncertainty at just 18 years old. Four months later, he began collecting trophies with Independiente del Valle’s reserve and senior teams, a success his mother, Glenda, was unable to witness.
Celebrating victory with a heart full of emotion, where each trophy represents not just success, but the strength of his late mum, whose spirit follows him every step of the way. Instagram/pachowillian/
How Europe Found Him:
Winning in Paraguay against River Plate of Argentina was a turning point in Pacho’s life. Holding the trophy, leading the team in a parade, and appearing on the front pages of newspapers marked the beginning of a new chapter. It was a moment that caught the attention of European scouts. Pacho couldn’t help but reflect on what his mother would have done if she were there with him. Despite her passing four months earlier, he felt her presence as if she had never left. In that moment, he said:
“If she were here, she would hug me as tightly as possible. She would tell me that she always believed in me, that she’s proud, that she watched the entire Libertadores on television. She may not be here physically, but she’s always supporting me from above.”
Remembering his mother gives him the strength to keep chasing his dream of playing in Europe. It’s been his goal since he was 13 years old, when he left home to join different training camps. Some teams rejected him, but others welcomed him. After his standout performance in helping Independiente del Valle win the 2021 Ecuadorian Serie A title, his dream gained momentum. Scouts from Europe took notice. On January 28, 2022, Pacho made his move to Belgian club, Royal Antwerp. His former roommate, Moisés Caicedo, made his move a year earlier, on February 1, 2021. After a memorable 2021, winning the Ecuadorian Serie A, Pacho moved to Europe just a month later.
Willian Pacho and his teammates celebrate their unforgettable victory, clinching the 2021 Ecuadorian Serie A title, a moment of triumph that marked the beginning of Pacho’s European journey. Image Credit: Pacho’s Personal Archive
European Journey:
Before joining Royal Antwerp, Pacho’s move to Monchengladbach fell through. But he didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity. In January 2022, he signed with the Belgian club and began adapting to Belgian football. At Antwerp, he played alongside players like Benson Manuel, Toby Alderweireld, Radja Nainggolan, and Calvin Stengs. During the 2022/2023 season, Pacho’s potential began to shine through. He became a key player in the team, helping them win the Belgian Pro League and the Belgian Cup.
Pacho’s strong performances with Royal Antwerp earned him a call-up to the Ecuadorian national team in 2022. He was even selected to play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His first appearance came on March 28, 2023, in a friendly against Australia, where he scored his first goal for his country in a 2-1 win. This goal secured his spot as a regular starter for the national team and drew the attention of top European clubs. German side Eintracht Frankfurt moved to sign him. In Germany, Pacho solidified his reputation as one of the most promising centre-backs in the world. He played 44 games and remained a key starter for coach Félix Sánchez Basteam’s team.
Pacho joined Eintracht Frankfurt under coach Dino Toppmöller, alongside big stars like Randal Kolo Muani, Donny van de Beek, Hugo Ekitiké, and Omar Marmoush. He played one season with the German club, making 44 appearances across three competitions and providing two assists. His impressive performances saw his market value rise from €17 million to €40 million. In August 2024, while preparing for the preseason, a transfer agreement was reached, marking the big-money move Pacho had dreamed of his entire life.
PSG Chapter:
European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Paris Saint-Germain will pay 40 million euros (43.7 million dollars) to Eintracht Frankfurt for Willian Pacho’s transfer. For everyone who knew him back home, seeing William reach this level is a source of pride. It shows that hard work and dedication can take you to places you never dreamed of. Pacho’s move to PSG is not just a transfer; it’s proof of how talent and perseverance can open doors at the international level.
Pacho’s story is an inspiration for young footballers who start their journey in small clubs. It’s important to note that 5% of his transfer value, around 2.1 million dollars, went to the clubs Pacho played for since his early days through the FIFA solidarity mechanism. This means $436,000 for Huracán, $1.4 million for Independiente del Valle, and $354,000 for Royal Antwerp. His fans in Quinindé, especially those from his childhood club Huracán, who saw him grow from playing on a dirt field to joining PSG, now believe that “yes, they can” too. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Personality:
Pacho never forgets his roots. He always remembers where he started: Huracán, the small football club in Quinindé where he first trained. Every time Pacho returns to Quinindé during his holidays, he visits the pitch where his football journey began. He plays with the local kids who dream of following in his footsteps and making it to a European club. He talks to them, shares money, advice, takes photos, and reminds them that dreams are possible. Pacho’s visits are more than just a homecoming, they’re a source of inspiration for those who takes inspiration from him.
A moment of gratitude and reflection as Pacho poses for a photo with two key figures from his roots at Huracán, the club where his football journey first began. Image Credit: Personal Archive
Pacho firmly believes that life is about living, making mistakes, celebrating triumphs, and telling stories. He believes God never forgets good, pure hearts. Even after years apart from his best friend at Independiente del Valle, Pacho still finds time to connect with him.
The Defender’s story is not just one of resilience but also of friendship. Through the challenges and the pain of losing his beloved mother, his bond with friends, especially with Moisés Caicedo, has been a key source of strength. Their friendship, forged in the early days of their football journey, continues to shape their success today. Despite all the setbacks and sacrifices, their loyalty to each other and their shared dreams have kept them grounded and motivated. Pacho’s story is a beautiful reminder that true friendship is a powerful force, even in the face of adversity.
Indeed, Pacho and Moisés have shared a bond that has only grown stronger with time. Image Credit: Personal Archive
Moise and Willian have more in common than just coming from the same youth team. As of 2025, they are the two highest-paid Ecuadorian footballers. They both play for the biggest clubs in the world, Chelsea and PSG. In Ecuador, many fans support these clubs because of Pacho and Caicedo. When you see them together, always in each other’s company, it’s clear how close they are. Pacho and Caicedo often sharing laughs, supporting each other, and showing just how close their friendship truly is.
For these two, it’s not just about football; it’s a brotherhood that’s been built over the years, both on and off the pitch. Image Credit: Instagram/pachowillian
Untold Facts:
In the final part of Willian Pacho’s biography, we’ll dive deeper into revealing even more facts about him. Let’s jump right in!
Willian Pacho in EA SPORTS FC 25: Why He Deserves a Higher Rating
Left-footed centre-backs are a rare gem in football, which makes them highly valued. The list includes stars like France’s Presnel Kimpembe, Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhães, Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez, and Austria’s David Alaba. For his age, Willian Pacho stands out. He is among the best in the world when it comes to jumping, strength, and standing tackles.
In EA SPORTS FC 25, Willian Pacho has an overall score of 79 and a 84 potential rating. However, we believe these ratings don’t fully reflect his talent, given how underrated he is. Now that he has become a staple of PSG’s Defense, it’s only a matter of time before EA Sports recognizes his true abilities. An upgraded rating of 85 overall and 88 potential would better match his skill and promise.
Willian Pacho’s FIFA EA SPORTS FC 25 ratings – An underrated gem with an overall of 79 and potential of 84, but soon to be upgraded as his talent shines at PSG.
PSG Salary Breakdown: Where Willian Pacho Ranks Among His Teammates:
In PSG’s salary rankings, players are grouped into heavyweights, middleweights, and lightweights. Willian Pacho falls into the latter. He earns €87,308 weekly and €4,540,000 annually. It’s a massive salary that makes him a millionaire footballer. Given his humble roots in Ecuador, this amount is life-changing. However, Pacho is not the highest-paid Ecuadorian footballer.
At Chelsea, Moisés Caicedo earns £150,000 per week and £7,800,000 annually, making him the highest-paid Ecuadorian footballer. In Pacho’s PSG team, Ousmane Dembélé tops the chart with €384,615 weekly and €20,000,000 annually. Following him is Lucas Hernández, who takes home €365,385 weekly and €19,000,000 annually.
Brazilian star Marquinhos earns €323,077 weekly, amounting to €16,800,000 annually. Even teammates like Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos earn more than Pacho, with weekly salaries of €105,769 and €104,808, respectively. Here’s a table of PSG players’ salaries, sourced from Capology, showing where Willian Pacho ranks among his teammates.
Willian Pacho’s salary at PSG compared to his star-studded teammates – A reflection of his rising journey in European football. Source: Capology
Willian Pacho’s Faith: How Christianity Guides His Path:
The defender is the kind of athlete who puts God first in everything he does, and he’s not shy about showing it. Willian Pacho is a devout Christian, believing firmly that “God guides his path,” a statement he proudly displays on his Instagram bio. In 2023, around 87% of Ecuadorians practice Christianity, with 69% identifying as Roman Catholic. Given this, it’s likely that Pacho shares the same faith.
Pacho’s Instagram bio proudly reflects his faith – ‘God guides my path,’ a testament to his strong Christian beliefs. Image: Instagram/pachowillian/
End Note:
Pacho’s life is a remarkable journey of resilience. At just 11, he ran away from home, determined to chase his football dreams. He found a team that believed in him, starting with his childhood club Huracán. Despite facing rejection early on, he fought to join more competitive teams. After a failed trial, he earned his spot in Ecuador’s top club, Independiente del Valle. Tragically, just before turning pro, he lost his mother. Yet, just four months later, he celebrated success with his team. A call from Europe soon followed, marking the beginning of his journey abroad. In Europe, he thrived, landing his dream move to PSG. Through it all, Pacho became a beacon of hope for his family, his childhood club, and his country, proving that hard work and dedication can turn dreams into reality.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for reading this article on Willian Pacho’s biography. We strive for accuracy and fairness in telling the stories of football players from Ecuador, just as we’ve done with players like Kendry Páez and Leonardo Campana. If you notice anything that seems off in this article about the rising Ecuadorian defender, feel free to let us know. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on Willian Pacho’s incredible journey and what you think his future holds.
