Ilsinho

Ilsinho began his playing career in 2006 within his home state of São Paulo with Palmeiras playing right full-back.[1] Midway through the season, he signed for rivals São Paulo FC where he would spend the next two seasons, winning the 2006 and 2007 Brasileirões.[1][2]

Ilsinho with FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

On 29 July 2007, it was announced that Ilsinho had completed a €10 million transfer to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, signing a four-year contract with the club until 29 July 2011.[3][4]

During his time in Donetsk, he became known for his dribbling skills and vision of the field. During the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, he scored the opening goal in a group stage match against FC Barcelona; his first goal in the international club competition.[5] Donetsk finished third in Group C standings resulting in a transfer to the final phase of the UEFA Cup.[6]

Ilsinho was a key contributor to the UEFA Cup run when he scored a game-winning goal against Dynamo Kyiv, advancing Donetsk to the finals past their domestic rival.[7] During the cup final, Ilsinho contributed 87 minutes to an ultimate extra victory against Werder Bremen, Donetsk's first European trophy.[8][9]

In August 2010, Ilsinho returned to his native Brazil, re-signing with his former club, São Paulo FC[10][11] The return to São Paulo was held up initially due to Donetsk requiring a contract extension for an additional season, per the initial player contract agreement.[3][12] The Court of Arbitration for Sport later awarded Donetsk eligible to receive compensation from Ilsinho for breach of contract for about €3.6 million.[3]

In August 2011, Ilsinho was released from São Paulo after being unable to resolve contract negotiations.[13] Upon release, he signed with SC Internacional.[11][13]

Ilsinho rejoined Shakhtar in January 2012 on a three and a half-year contract,[14] accepting a much lower salary than his previous one with the club.[15] He was assigned the number 77. His first appearance came in a 1–1 draw against Dnipro on 4 March 2012 coming on as a 64th-minute substitute for Alex Teixeira.[16] His first start since returning to the club came in a 2–1 victory over Illichivets.[17] He netted his first goal of his second spell with Shakhtar in a 4–0 win over Chornomorets Odesa[18] He finished the season with 1 goal from 9 appearances, 7 of which came in the league.

The 2012–13 season started well with Ilsinho coming on as a substitute in the 2–0 Super Cup victory over Metalurh Donetsk. He scored a goal in his first two league matches, the first of which came in a 6–0 victory over Arsenal Kyiv,[19] with the second coming against Hoverla in a 3–1 win.[20] He scored a goal in a 2–0 win against Metalist Kharkiv on 7 October.[21] On 19 October he netted the equalising goal in a 2–1 victory against Illichivets.[22] He left Shakhtar Donetsk upon the completion of his contract on 30 June 2015.[23]

On 24 February 2016, the Philadelphia Union announced they had signed Ilsinho on a two-year deal.[24] The first few seasons, Ilsinho struggled with fitness but found good offensive combinations with the Union's offense. Often deployed as a winger on the right flank, he would also spell as a central attacking midfielder as the Union were seeking at "volume #10" for their system.[25]

During the 2019 season, Ilsinho was transitioned into a "super-sub" role and saw greater success with the Union[26] Making only 7 starts from 28 appearances, the Union offensive performance was substantially different with Ilsinho on the field posting a +24 goal differential compared to a +7 with him on the bench.[26] This offensive production, combined with a come-from-behind result against New York Red Bulls (dubbed "The Ilsinho Game", on 8 June 2019) earned Ilsinho the nickname "the cheatcode" in MLS circles.[27][28][29] He finished the 2019 season with eight assists and five goals.[26]

In January 2020, Ilsinho re-signed to a one-year contract with the Union.[30] Following the 2021 season, Ilsinho's contract expired with Philadelphia.[31] In March 2022, Ilsinho officially announced his retirement from professional football.[32]