Grêmio has made it official. Willian is their newest signing. At 37, the midfielder put pen to paper on a deal that runs through December 2026, with the option for one extra year. He didn’t waste any time either, already taking part in training with his new teammates at the Luiz Carvalho facility this Saturday. The announcement immediately drew attention because we’re not talking about just another player. Willian is one of the most recognizable Brazilians ever to play in the Premier League, a Chelsea icon and a winner at nearly every stop. Now, back in Brazil, he’ll wear Grêmio’s shirt in what looks like the closing act of his career.
A résumé that carries weight
Willian first came through at Corinthians before carving out a long career in European soccer. His talent stood out at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and later at Anzhi in Russia, enough to earn a move to the Premier League. Chelsea is where his legacy really took shape. Over seven seasons, he played 339 games, scored 63 goals and collected plenty of silverware: two Premier League titles, a Europa League, an FA Cup and a League Cup. No Brazilian has pulled on the Blues jersey more often than him, a mark that still sets him apart.
After his time at Stamford Bridge, Willian joined Arsenal. There he made 38 appearances, scored once and chipped in with seven assists before cutting the deal short and heading back to Corinthians. Later came a stint with Olympiacos in Greece and then another Premier League chapter at Fulham, where he played 12 matches in 2025.
What Grêmio is getting
Bringing Willian in wasn’t by chance. He had offers from the United States and was on the radar of clubs in England, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He chose Grêmio instead, seeing a project that extends through 2026. The club is counting on his experience from the biggest stages and the leadership that comes from working with elite coaches and sharing locker rooms with top stars. That’s the role he’s expected to fill, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Of course, age is part of the conversation. At 37, nobody expects him to have the same pace or stamina he once showed in his prime. Even so, the belief is that his vision, passing and technical ability can still make an impact.