José Welison da Silva: A Journey of Dedication in Brazilian Football
José Welison da Silva, known as Zé Welison, is one of the most respected names in Brazilian football, particularly for his skills as a defensive midfielder. Born in São Pedro, Rio Grande do Norte, on March 11, 1995, Zé Welison has built a career marked by determination, talent, and achievements. This article details his journey, from his early days in youth academies to his consolidation as a key player for Fortaleza Esporte Clube.
Early Career
Humble Beginnings in São Pedro
Zé Welison was born in a small town in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, where football is more than a sport—it’s a passion that unites communities. From a young age, he showed an aptitude for the game, chasing the ball on dirt fields and dreaming of a professional career. His dedication soon caught the attention of local scouts, who directed him to the youth academies of regional clubs.
First Steps in Football
At 14, Zé Welison joined the youth ranks of Cruzeiro de Macaíba, a modest club in Rio Grande do Norte. In 2009, he moved to ABC, one of the state’s top clubs, where he began to stand out. His brief stint at ABC was enough to attract the interest of Esporte Clube Vitória in Bahia, where he joined the youth setup in 2011.
Rise at Esporte Clube Vitória
Standout in the Youth Ranks
At Vitória, Zé Welison found an ideal environment to develop his skills. As a midfielder, he excelled with his strong marking, game vision, and ability to recover possession. In 2012, he was a key figure in winning the U-20 Copa do Brasil, scoring a decisive goal in the final against Atlético Mineiro. This title was a turning point in his career, putting him on the national radar.
Professional Debut
Promoted to Vitória’s senior team in 2014, Zé Welison made his professional debut on January 23 in the Copa do Nordeste against Confiança. He not only debuted but also scored, contributing to a 3-1 victory. His impressive performances in the 2014 Campeonato Baiano earned him the Revelation of the Tournament award and a spot in the competition’s best XI.
Consolidation in the Brasileirão
In 2014, Zé Welison debuted in Brazil’s Série A against Internacional. Despite a 1-0 loss, his performance was solid, and he quickly became a starter. He scored his first top-flight goal against Atlético Paranaense in a 2-2 draw. During his first season, he played 21 Série A matches, but Vitória was relegated. In the following years, injuries limited his playing time, yet he contributed to Campeonato Baiano titles in 2016 and 2017, establishing himself as a key player.
Move to Atlético Mineiro
Loan in 2018
In June 2018, Zé Welison was loaned to Atlético Mineiro, one of Brazil’s football giants. His arrival was seen as an opportunity to bolster the midfield with energy and defensive solidity. He debuted in July against Grêmio, though the team lost 2-0. Despite this, Zé Welison adapted quickly and became a regular starter during the season.
Permanent Contract and Challenges
In January 2019, Atlético Mineiro signed Zé Welison permanently on a five-year contract. Over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he played 42 matches, including in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. However, with the arrival of coach Jorge Sampaoli in 2020, Zé Welison lost his place in the squad and was deemed surplus.
Loans to Botafogo and Sport Recife
Stint at Botafogo
In October 2020, Zé Welison was loaned to Botafogo, where he played 23 matches in Série A and the Campeonato Carioca. Despite his efforts, the club faced internal turmoil, and their collective performance fell short, resulting in Botafogo’s relegation from Série A in 2020.
Experience at Sport Recife
In April 2021, Zé Welison was loaned to Sport Recife. At the Leão, he had a consistent season, playing 33 matches and scoring two goals in Série A. His performances were solid, but Sport also struggled and was relegated.
Consolidation at Fortaleza Esporte Clube
Arrival on Loan
In February 2022, Zé Welison was loaned to Fortaleza Esporte Clube, a move that would change the course of his career. Under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, he found an environment where he could showcase his full potential. In the 2022 season, he played 44 matches, scored four goals, and was instrumental in winning the Campeonato Cearense and Copa do Nordeste.
Permanent Contract and Leadership
After a successful loan, Fortaleza signed Zé Welison permanently in January 2023, with a contract until December 2026. He became an indispensable midfielder, known for his leadership and consistency. In 2023, he was named to the Copa Sudamericana Best XI, and in 2024, he made the Copa do Nordeste Best XI, reinforcing his importance to the club.
As of May 2025, Zé Welison has played 121 matches for Fortaleza, scoring five goals and contributing to two more Campeonato Cearense titles (2022, 2023) and another Copa do Nordeste title (2024). His presence is marked by tactical intelligence, precise passing, and the ability to neutralize opponents.
Brazilian National Team
Youth Team Call-Ups
Zé Welison also had notable stints with Brazil’s youth national teams. In 2014, he was part of the U-20 squad that won the Panda Cup in China. That same year, he played friendlies for the U-21 team, showcasing his versatility and potential on the international stage.
Playing Style
Characteristics as a Midfielder
Zé Welison is recognized for his skills as a defensive midfielder, with aggressive marking and exceptional ball recovery. He also has good game vision, enabling precise passing and contributions to the transition between defense and attack. His versatility allows him to play as a central midfielder or even in more advanced roles when needed.
Impact at Fortaleza
At Fortaleza, Zé Welison stands out as a leader, often nicknamed “Pai Veio” (Old Man) by teammates, reflecting his experience and maturity. His ability to read the game and anticipate opponents’ moves is crucial to Vojvoda’s tactical setup.
Achievements and Awards
Titles
Vitória
- U-20 Copa do Brasil: 2012
- Campeonato Baiano: 2016, 2017
Atlético Mineiro
- Campeonato Mineiro: 2020
Fortaleza
- Copa do Nordeste: 2022, 2024
- Campeonato Cearense: 2022, 2023
Brazil U-20
- Panda Cup: 2014
Individual Awards
- Campeonato Baiano Best XI: 2014
- Revelation of the Campeonato Baiano: 2014
- Best Midfielder of the Taça BH de Futebol Júnior: 2013
- Copa Sudamericana Best XI: 2023
- Copa do Nordeste Best XI: 2024
Personal Life
Inspirations and Values
Off the field, Zé Welison is known for his humility and dedication to family. He often cites his roots in São Pedro as a source of inspiration, recalling the challenges of his childhood. His journey is a testament to perseverance, showing that talent and hard work can lead to success.
Sponsorships and Partnerships
Zé Welison is sponsored by Nike, one of the world’s leading sports brands, reflecting his status as a prominent player. He is also represented by LINK SPORTS, which manages his career.
Impact on Brazilian Football
Legacy at Fortaleza
Zé Welison’s arrival at Fortaleza marked a new era for the club, which has solidified its position as a powerhouse in Northeast Brazilian football. His leadership and consistency have helped Fortaleza achieve historic milestones, such as Copa do Nordeste titles and strong performances in international competitions.
Influence on New Generations
As a player from a small town, Zé Welison inspires young athletes to chase their dreams. His career, marked by highs and lows, demonstrates that resilience is key to success in football.
Career Statistics
As of May 2025, Zé Welison’s career stats include:
- Vitória: 106 matches, 4 goals
- Atlético Mineiro: 66 matches, 0 goals
- Botafogo: 23 matches, 0 goals
- Sport Recife: 33 matches, 2 goals
- Fortaleza: 121 matches, 5 goals
- Total: 349 matches, 11 goals
These numbers reflect his longevity and consistency in Brazilian football, with his time at Fortaleza standing out.
Future in Football
At 30, Zé Welison is at the peak of his career. With a contract until 2026 with Fortaleza, he remains central to the club’s ambitions, which include winning a Série A title or excelling in the Copa Libertadores. His experience and leadership will be vital for future challenges.
Conclusion
José Welison da Silva is more than a footballer; he is a symbol of determination and talent. From São Pedro to stardom at Fortaleza, his journey is one of resilience and success. With titles, individual awards, and a solid career, Zé Welison continues to leave his mark on Brazilian football, inspiring fans and young athletes across the country.
