William Pottker: The Journey of a Brazilian Striker
William de Oliveira Pottker is a well-known name in Brazilian football, a talented striker who has carved out a place for himself in various clubs across Brazil and even abroad. Born in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, on February 22, 1993, Pottker has followed a path of perseverance, skill, and dedication in the sport. This article explores the life, career, and defining moments of William Pottker, highlighting his journey from youth academies to professional pitches, with stints at renowned clubs and challenges faced along the way.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Origins in Florianópolis
William Pottker was born in Florianópolis, a city renowned for its natural beauty and passion for football. Coming from a humble family, he grew up dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. From an early age, he showed talent with the ball at his feet, playing street games and participating in local football schools. His ability caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join the youth academy of Figueirense, one of Santa Catarina’s top clubs.
Development at Figueirense
In Figueirense’s youth setup, Pottker stood out as a versatile forward, capable of playing as a center-forward or on the wings. His speed, precise finishing, and ability to dribble past opponents made him a promising talent. During his formative years, he developed not only technical skills but also a competitive mindset, essential for tackling the challenges of professional football.
Professional Debut and Early Experiences
Debut at Figueirense
On September 7, 2011, at the age of 18, William Pottker made his professional debut for Figueirense in Brazil’s Série A. Coming off the bench in the second half of a 1-1 draw against Atlético Goianiense, he had his first chance to showcase his talent on a national stage. Though his performance was modest, this moment marked the beginning of his professional career.
Loans and International Experience
Still young, Pottker struggled to secure a regular spot in Figueirense’s first team. To gain experience, he was loaned to several clubs, including Gandzasar (Armenia), Ventforet Kofu (Japan), and Red Bull Brasil (Brazil). These stints were crucial for his development, allowing him to adapt to different playing styles and football cultures. In 2015, during a loan to Linense for the Campeonato Paulista, Pottker scored five goals, showcasing his potential as a goalscorer.
Stint at S.C. Braga
In May 2015, Pottker had the opportunity to play in European football, being loaned to S.C. Braga in Portugal with a purchase option. However, his time at the Portuguese club was limited to their B team, which competed in the Segunda Liga. Though he didn’t make the impact he hoped for, the experience abroad added tactical knowledge and discipline, which he brought back to Brazil.
Rise in Career
Breakthrough at Linense
Upon returning to Brazil, Pottker was loaned to Linense again for the 2016 Campeonato Paulista season. It was during this period that he began to gain national attention. Scoring seven goals, he emerged as one of the tournament’s top forwards, demonstrating a keen eye for goal and skill in decisive moments. His performances at Linense opened doors to bigger opportunities.
Consolidation at Ponte Preta
On May 5, 2016, Pottker signed a three-year contract with Ponte Preta, a Campinas-based club competing in Série A. At Ponte Preta, he reached the peak of his career thus far. During the 2016 Brazilian Championship, Pottker scored 14 goals, finishing as one of the competition’s top scorers alongside players like Fred and Diego Souza. A standout performance came in a 3-0 victory over Santa Cruz, where he scored twice. His finishing ability, combined with his physical explosiveness, made him a key figure in Ponte Preta’s squad, which finished the championship in eighth place.
Move to Internacional
In February 2017, Pottker was sold to Internacional but remained at Ponte Preta until the end of that year’s Paulista Championship. His debut for Internacional came on July 18, 2017, against Luverdense in Série B. He scored the only goal of the match in the 93rd minute, showcasing his ability to decide crucial games. Despite Internacional’s relegation to Série B, Pottker became a vital part of their campaign to return to Brazil’s top flight.
Challenges and New Opportunities
Time at Cruzeiro
After his stint at Internacional, Pottker was signed by Cruzeiro, one of Brazil’s football giants. However, his time at the club was marked by ups and downs. While he had moments of brilliance, such as scoring in key matches, he struggled to maintain consistency, partly due to competition within the squad and tactical changes. Nevertheless, his dedication and professionalism were praised by teammates and coaches.
Experience at Al Wasl
Seeking new challenges, Pottker had a brief stint at Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates. The experience in Middle Eastern football brought fresh perspectives to his career, but he returned to Brazil to continue playing at a high level. His time at Al Wasl highlighted his versatility and ability to adapt to different footballing contexts.
Return to Brazil: Avaí, Coritiba, and Atlético Goianiense
Back in Brazil, Pottker played for clubs like Avaí, Coritiba, and Atlético Goianiense. At each club, he brought his experience and quality as a forward, contributing with goals and assists. At Avaí, for instance, he was a key player in their fight to return to Série A. His current stint at Atlético Goianiense shows that he remains a competitive and impactful player on the pitch.
Brazilian National Team and Recognition
Call-Up for the 2014 World Cup
One of the most significant moments in Pottker’s career was his call-up to the Brazilian national team for the 2014 World Cup, under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, known as Felipão. Selected as one of three overage players for the U-20 squad, Pottker had the chance to represent Brazil at the world’s biggest football tournament. However, an elbow injury forced him to leave the squad before the competition began, with Jô replacing him. Despite not playing, the call-up was a testament to his talent and potential.
Free-Kick Expertise
Pottker is renowned for his precision in free-kick situations, a skill that sets him apart from many forwards. During his time at Linense, he worked closely with the coaching staff to study opponents and refine his finishing. This dedication made him a specialist in set pieces, often deciding matches with well-placed and powerful shots.
Recognition from Peers
In August 2015, Real Madrid and Brazil national team legend Marcelo praised Pottker, stating that he would be an excellent choice to mentor young players in the U-20 national team. This endorsement from one of Brazil’s greatest players underscores Pottker’s reputation as a dedicated and talented athlete.
Playing Style and Characteristics
Versatility in Attack
William Pottker is a complete forward, capable of playing in various attacking roles. He can operate as a center-forward, leveraging his physical strength and finishing, or on the wings, using his speed and dribbling skills. His ability to adapt to different tactical setups makes him a valuable asset for any coach.
Physical Strength and Explosiveness
Standing at 1.80m and with a well-conditioned physique, Pottker combines strength and speed. He can win duels against defenders, hold up the ball, and create chances through individual plays. His explosiveness makes him dangerous on counterattacks, while his presence in the box makes him a lethal finisher.
Competitive Mindset
Beyond his technical qualities, Pottker is known for his competitive mentality. He never gives up on a play and shows grit in decisive moments. This determination has been crucial in his journey, especially during challenges like injuries and periods of adaptation at new clubs.
Personal Life and Legacy
Life Off the Pitch
Off the field, Pottker is described as a dedicated and focused athlete. He leads a private life, prioritizing his family and training. His humility and professionalism are often highlighted by those who work with him, reinforcing his reputation in the football world.
Inspiration for Young Players
As a player who rose from Florianópolis and overcame challenges to establish himself in professional football, Pottker serves as an inspiration for young athletes. His journey shows that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to achieve great things, even starting at smaller clubs.
Legacy in Brazilian Football
Though still active, Pottker has already left his mark on Brazilian football. His 14 goals in the 2016 Brasileirão for Ponte Preta and his 2014 World Cup call-up are notable achievements. Additionally, his stints at various clubs demonstrate his ability to reinvent himself and remain competitive at a high level.
Future Prospects
Goals at Atlético Goianiense
Currently at Atlético Goianiense, Pottker aims to contribute with goals and assists to help the club achieve its objectives, whether in Série A or other competitions. His experience and leadership are valuable assets to the squad, and he remains a key figure in the attack.
Potential Abroad
With previous stints at clubs like Gandzasar, Ventforet Kofu, S.C. Braga, and Al Wasl, Pottker has the profile to attract interest from foreign markets again. His versatility and experience could open doors to new opportunities in the future.
Contribution to Brazilian Football
Beyond his playing career, Pottker has the potential to contribute to Brazilian football off the pitch. His experience across different clubs and countries positions him to serve as a mentor or even a coach in the future, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of players.
Conclusion
William Pottker is a shining example of talent, perseverance, and dedication in Brazilian football. From his debut at Figueirense to his standout performances at Ponte Preta, Internacional, and beyond, he has proven his ability to overcome challenges and leave his mark on the pitch. His 2014 World Cup call-up, though cut short by injury, is a testament to his potential. With a versatile playing style, expertise in set pieces, and a competitive mindset, Pottker remains a player to watch. His journey inspires young athletes and underscores the richness of Brazilian football, which continues to produce talents capable of shining on diverse stages.
