Brazilian Pace for Roma: Wesley is Giallorosso
Roma have pulled off one of the most eagerly anticipated moves as they shape their new sporting project. Wesley is officially a Roma player, ready to get to work under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, who strongly pushed for his signing. A coach renowned for developing full-backs, Gasperini has built his success from Genoa to Atalanta by develpoing players capable of interpreting the flanks in a modern, dynamic, and attacking way. In this context, Wesley’s signing is a key piece in the construction of the new Roma, which has already welcomed El Aynaoui and Ferguson during the summer transfer window.
Wesley’s journey from Flamengo to Trigoria thanks to YouTube
Wesley Vinícius França Lima, born in 2003, has had a football journey that stands out for its resilience and spirit of sacrifice. Born in southern Brazil, Wesley’s career hit an early setback during the pandemic years: after taking his first steps with Atlético Tubarão, he decided to give up football in search of a stable job, stepping away from the pitch for a while. But fate had other plans: an amateur video on YouTube showcasing his skills caught the attention of Flamengo scouts.
And in 2021, he began his journey in Flamengo’s youth academy, eventually earning promotion to the first team. It was there that he made his mark in the Campeonato Carioca, and with Jorge Sampaoli’s arrival as head coach, he secured a place as a regular starter. His statistics for Flamengo**: 136 appearances, 4 goals,** and 6 assists, only tell part of the story. His real impact on the team’s play came into sharp focus under the spotlight of the Club World Cup, a tournament where he managed to attract attention on the international stage. Wesley’s performances did not go unnoticed by the Brazilian national team either, and in March 2025, he earned his first two caps for the Seleção.
What Wesley Can Bring to Roma: the Perfect Wing-Back for Gasperini
In Gasperini’s game, wingbacks are the true fuel of the flanks; they build play, deliver the final ball, cover defensively and press high. Wesley appears to have all the qualities needed to carry out that role to perfection, with his pace, intensity, bravery in one‑on‑one situations and a natural instinct for vertical football. Voted the third-best right-back in last season’s Brasileirão, the former Flamengo player excels with his forward drive, dribbling ability, and timely runs into space. Blessed with explosive pace, Wesley is a constant presence down the flank, offering frequent and incisive overlaps. His skill in taking on defenders and attacking space makes him a constant threat during attacking transitions. His arrival at Trigoria opens up fascinating tactical options: the potential partnership with Angeliño, his counterpart on the left, could evoke some of the memorable wing-back duos from Gasperini’s past, from Criscito‑Rossi at Genoa to Gosens‑Hateboer or Spinazzola‑Conti at Atalanta. The move to Roma marks a major opportunity in Wesley’s career, but also an important test. Having played as a right-back in a four-man defence, he will now need to adapt to a more fluid, vertical system of play; the kind that Gasperini demands. Serie A Enilive will provide a big stage, and working under a demanding coach like ‘Gasp’ could become the perfect springboard for him to establish himself as a regular in the Brazilian national team, especially now, with Carlo Ancelotti in charge, a coach known for keeping a close eye on emerging talent in Italian football. (Photo Sito AS Roma + Getty Images)