The dream of playing in Europe for a club graced by Brazilian legends like Cafu, Falcao, or Aldair – eras Wesley Vinícius França Lima wasn`t even born in. Today, the Flamengo full-back, born in 2003, is potentially Roma`s first signing under coach Gasperini, who has been monitoring him for months and nearly brought him to Atalanta last year. That dream, then, could soon become reality. And in Wesley`s case, it would represent an incredible double leap.
From Parking Attendant
Just over four years ago, Wesley balanced playing football during the day with parking cars and motorcycles in the evenings. This was during 2020 and 2021, amidst the peak of the Covid pandemic. He had to do this to help support his family, even though he was not yet 18. The dream of becoming a footballer constantly occupied his thoughts, even as he collected keys and gratefully accepted tips. During this period, he played for Atletico Tubarão (a club that had rejected him at a 10-year-old tryout for being too short) and earned a meager 150 Brazilian reais a month, roughly 40 euros. He began working as a parking attendant at the restaurant where his mother was a waitress. It was a demanding routine: training by day, working late into the night. Wesley was close to giving up; his income was simply insufficient.
The YouTube Catalyst
A YouTube video featuring some of his best plays changed his life. This idea, suggested by a childhood friend, proved to be the turning point. A Flamengo scout saw the video, leading to a tryout. For the first time after numerous previous attempts, Wesley received a positive response from a major club. By the end of 2021, he secured a development contract with the prestigious Rio de Janeiro side, earning around 480 euros per month – enough to quit his night job as a parking attendant and stop working until 2 AM. His abilities quickly caught the eye of the first team staff, and within months, he was offered a professional contract. Initially worth 30,000 reais monthly (approximately 5,000 euros), his current annual salary is estimated at 360,000 euros. As a result of his success, Wesley`s mother no longer needs to work at that restaurant. A potential move to Roma would see his earnings increase significantly, with reports suggesting a salary of 1.5 million euros per season or more.
Influence of Gerson
Born in Açailândia, a town in Brazil`s interior, Wesley met Amanda Martins there and married her last May. At just 22, he is also a father to his daughter, Alice, born in early January. Photos from their wedding and Alice`s birth were shared on their social media profiles. Both on and off the field, Wesley shares a significant bond with Flamengo captain Gerson, the former Roma midfielder. Gerson is Alice`s godfather and attended Wesley`s wedding. Wesley recently spoke movingly about Gerson`s unwavering support: “In my best moments he hugged me; in the worst, he still did; and when I got my first national team call-up, he hugged me again.” The defender has been open about his ambition to move to Europe in recent weeks. And Gerson, drawing from his own experience, reportedly gave him clear advice: go to Rome.
Impressive Statistics
Gasperini reportedly sees the potential of a champion in Wesley, which is why Roma is considering a €30 million move. The compelling reason lies in his statistics. The Brazilian averages an exceptional 9.56 progressive passes received per 90 minutes – a figure that places him in the 99th percentile among full-backs. These are typically passes received during overlaps or directly into space from central defenders. For comparison, Angeliño receives 4.87, while the more defensively inclined Rensch manages just 2.68. This attacking tendency is further highlighted by his touches in the final third: Wesley records 36 touches per 90 minutes, nearly double Angeliño`s 17 and more than triple Rensch`s 11. While quantity doesn`t always guarantee quality, in Wesley`s case, it does, as he averages 3.15 actions leading to a shot every 90 minutes. Regarding dribbling, Wesley isn`t someone who attempts unnecessary one-on-ones. He effectively uses his physical strength to beat opponents, ranking in the 94th percentile of full-backs for completed dribbles.
