Weverton Pereira da Silva is one of the most respected goalkeepers in contemporary Brazilian football. Born on December 13, 1987, in Rio Branco, Acre, he has built a career marked by stunning saves, significant titles, and unwavering dedication to the sport. Standing at 1.89 meters tall with a commanding presence in goal, Weverton has stood out not only for his technical ability but also for his leadership and capacity to recover from challenging moments. At 37 years old in 2025, he remains a key figure for Palmeiras and the Brazilian national team, despite recent challenges such as injuries. This article explores his journey, achievements, and current status, highlighting the impact of a player who rose from Brazil’s North to shine on the world’s biggest stages.
Early Career and Formation
Weverton’s football journey began early in a region where the sport often lacks the investment seen in Brazil’s South or Southeast. Born in Rio Branco, the capital of Acre, he grew up in a humble environment where football was a shared passion. From a young age, Weverton showed talent as a goalkeeper, inspired by idols like Taffarel and Dida, who represented the solidity of Brazilian defending in World Cups.
At 14, he moved to São Paulo to join Corinthians’ youth academy. There, he began honing his technique, facing intense training and youth competitions. At Corinthians, Weverton progressed through all stages of development, excelling in tournaments like the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. His professional debut came in 2007 with the Timão, but opportunities were limited due to competition from experienced goalkeepers like Felipe.
First Professional Steps
After a period of loans to smaller clubs like Remo and Oeste, Weverton gained experience in regional championships. In 2009, he was loaned to Botafogo-SP, where he played in the Brazilian Série D. These stints were crucial for his maturation, teaching him to handle pressure and adversity. In 2010, he returned to Corinthians but again as a reserve. At this point, he decided to seek new horizons to establish himself as a starter.
Club Career
Weverton’s career took off when he transferred to Atlético Paranaense in 2012. At the Furacão, he found stability and became the first-choice goalkeeper, contributing to the club’s growth on the national stage. His time at Atlético-PR was marked by memorable saves and a consistency that put him on the radar of major teams.
Atlético Paranaense: Establishing Himself as a Starter
At Atlético Paranaense, Weverton played over 200 games between 2012 and 2017. He was a key figure in the 2013 Copa do Brasil campaign, reaching the semifinals, and helped the team qualify for international competitions like the Copa Libertadores. His ability in ball distribution and quick reflexes made him one of Brazil’s top goalkeepers at the time. In 2016, he was named the best goalkeeper in the Brazilian Championship by the CBF, a recognition that boosted his career.
During this period, Weverton also faced challenges, such as minor injuries and criticism in high-stakes matches. However, his resilience helped him overcome these obstacles, preparing him for the next step: Palmeiras.
Palmeiras: An Era of Titles and Leadership
In 2018, Weverton signed with Palmeiras, where he became the undisputed starting goalkeeper. His arrival coincided with a victorious phase for the Verdão, under coaches like Luiz Felipe Scolari and later Abel Ferreira. At Palmeiras, he has played over 300 matches by 2025, solidifying his position as one of the team’s pillars.
Among his achievements at the club are the 2018 Brazilian Championship, the 2020 and 2021 Copa Libertadores, and the 2022 Recopa Sul-Americana. Weverton was a hero on several occasions, such as in the 2020 Libertadores semifinals, where he saved crucial penalties against River Plate. His leadership in the locker room is also notable, serving as captain in numerous matches.
Challenges at Palmeiras
Despite the successes, Weverton faced criticism during tough moments. In 2022, during the Club World Cup, Palmeiras finished as runners-up, and he was singled out in some analyses for conceding goals. However, he bounced back quickly, contributing to more titles. In 2023 and 2024, Palmeiras remained competitive, with Weverton maintaining a high level of performance, including records for clean sheets (games without conceding) in national championships.
Brazilian National Team: From Olympic Gold to the World Cup
Weverton’s international career began in the youth categories, representing Brazil in under-20 and under-23 tournaments. His peak came in 2016, when he joined the Olympic team for the Rio de Janeiro Games. As the starting goalkeeper, he was instrumental in winning the gold medal, saving penalties in the final against Germany. This title was historic, marking Brazil’s first Olympic gold in men’s football.
Call-Ups to the Senior Team
Weverton debuted for the senior national team in 2017, in a friendly against Colombia. Since then, he has been regularly called up, serving as a backup to Alisson and Ederson in World Cups and Copa América tournaments. In 2021, he played as a starter in some Copa América matches, helping Brazil reach the final. In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Weverton was the third-choice goalkeeper, but his presence in the squad was valued for his experience and positivity.
In 2024, with the national team undergoing a coaching transition, Weverton continued to be called up, particularly for the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. His experience makes him a reliable option for high-pressure games.
Memorable Moments in the Seleção
A highlight was the 2019 Copa América, hosted in Brazil, where he was part of the championship-winning squad. Though a reserve, his contributions in training and team spirit were praised by coach Tite. In 2025, with the 2026 World Cup approaching, Weverton seeks more playing time to prove he can still be a starter in major tournaments.
Achievements and Individual Awards
Throughout his career, Weverton has amassed an enviable résumé. His major titles include:
- Olympic Gold Medal (2016)
- Copa Libertadores (2020, 2021)
- Brazilian Championship (2018, 2022, 2023)
- Copa do Brasil (2020)
- Recopa Sul-Americana (2022)
- Supercopa do Brasil (2023)
Individual awards highlight his excellence: named the best goalkeeper in the Brazilian Championship in 2016 and 2021, and included in the Libertadores team of the tournament in victorious years. He also holds records, such as the most clean sheets in a single Libertadores edition for Palmeiras.
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Weverton is known for his religious faith, often seen in gestures like praying after matches. After Palmeiras’ elimination in the 2025 Club World Cup against Chelsea, images of him praying in the locker room circulated, inspiring fans with his resilience and gratitude.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the field, Weverton is a married family man who leads a discreet life focused on values like humility and hard work. Hailing from Acre, he supports social projects in his homeland, helping young football talents. His journey inspires many in Brazil’s North, showing that it’s possible to reach the top from humble origins.
Weverton is also active in environmental causes, given his Amazonian roots, and participates in campaigns against deforestation. His legacy extends beyond titles: he represents the perseverance of a player who overcame geographical and economic barriers.
Influence on Brazilian Football
As a veteran, Weverton mentors young goalkeepers at Palmeiras, such as Carlos Miguel, preparing the next generation. His longevity in the sport at 37 is attributed to a rigorous training routine and physical care.
Updates in 2025
In 2025, Weverton remains Palmeiras’ starting goalkeeper, despite recent challenges. Early in the year, he stood out in the Campeonato Paulista, helping the team advance to the final stages. However, the year had its ups and downs. In February, during the Club World Cup, Palmeiras faced Chelsea in the quarterfinals. In a tense match, Weverton conceded a goal in the final minutes, contributing to a 2-1 elimination. Images of him praying after the game went viral, showcasing his emotional strength.
In July, criticism arose after inconsistent performances, with fans questioning his form in crucial matches. Analysts pointed out shortcomings in ball distribution and penalty saves, but coach Abel Ferreira defended him, emphasizing his historical importance to the club.
The most recent update, as of October 17, 2025, involves an injury. Palmeiras announced that Weverton suffered a fracture in his right hand during training. He will undergo conservative treatment without surgery, under the care of the club’s Health and Performance Unit. The injury sidelines him for upcoming matches, including the game against Flamengo on October 19. The expectation is that he will return before the end of 2025, depending on his recovery, though initial estimates suggest weeks of absence. This opens opportunities for backups like Marcelo Lomba or Carlos Miguel.
Despite the injury, Weverton expressed optimism, stating in interviews that he hopes to return “in the coming days,” though experts indicate a longer recovery period. In the context of the season, Palmeiras is vying for the top of the Brasileirão and a spot in the 2026 Libertadores, and his absence may impact the team’s defensive performance.
With the Brazilian national team, Weverton was called up for the September 2025 Qualifiers, but his injury may affect future call-ups. At 37, he reflects on his future but remains motivated for more achievements.
