What Happened to Wesley Vinícius França Lima?
Wesley França is a highly-rated Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays as a right-back for Serie A club AS Roma and the Brazil national team. After a successful tenure with Flamengo, where he won multiple domestic and continental titles, he moved to Roma in July 2025 and quickly established himself as a key player, earning a call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil.
Quick Answer
Wesley França, a 22-year-old Brazilian right-back, is currently a prominent player for AS Roma in Italy's Serie A, having joined from Flamengo in July 2025. He has made a significant impact in European football and earned his first call-up to the Brazil national team in March 2025, culminating in his inclusion in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in May 2026. His market value has risen, and he is reportedly attracting interest from top Premier League clubs as of mid-2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Açailândia, Brazil
Wesley Vinícius França Lima was born in Açailândia, Maranhão, Brazil.
Senior Debut with Atlético Tubarão
Wesley made his senior debut for Atlético Tubarão, playing in a Copa Santa Catarina match.
Transfers to Flamengo Youth Setup
Atlético Tubarão announced Wesley's transfer to Flamengo, where he initially joined their youth academy.
Flamengo Senior Team Debut
Wesley made his first-team debut for Flamengo in a Série A match against Atlético Goianiense.
Wins Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil with Flamengo
Wesley was part of the Flamengo squad that won the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil titles.
Scores First Senior Goal for Flamengo
Wesley scored his first senior goal for Flamengo in a Copa Libertadores home win against Racing Club.
Wins Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Carioca; Named to Team of the Year
Wesley helped Flamengo win the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Carioca. He was also named to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year and Copa do Brasil Team of the Season.
Renews Contract with Flamengo
Wesley renewed his contract with Flamengo, extending his stay until December 2028.
Debuts for Brazil National Team
Wesley made his full international debut for the Brazil national team in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Colombia.
Joins AS Roma
Wesley signed a five-year contract with AS Roma in Italy for a reported fee of €25 million.
Wins Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca, and Campeonato Brasileiro with Flamengo (before transfer)
Before his move to Roma, Wesley contributed to Flamengo's triumphs in the Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca, and Campeonato Brasileiro.
Roma Reportedly Sets €50M Price Tag Amid Man City Interest
Reports indicate AS Roma has valued Wesley at €50 million amidst growing interest from clubs like Manchester City.
Premier League Clubs Show Strong Interest
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Everton are among the Premier League clubs reportedly showing strong interest in signing Wesley França from Roma.
Named to Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Wesley was included in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first player from Maranhão to achieve this feat.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Wesley Vinícius França Lima, known simply as Wesley, emerged as one of Brazil's most promising football talents. Born on September 6, 2003, he began his senior career with Atlético Tubarão before joining Flamengo's youth setup in 2021. He quickly progressed through the ranks, making his first-team debut and establishing himself as a regular starter by 2023. During his time at Flamengo, Wesley was instrumental in the club's success, contributing to victories in the Copa Libertadores in 2022 and 2025, the Copa do Brasil in 2022 and 2024, and the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2025, among other titles. His performances earned him individual accolades, including a spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year in 2024.
His impressive displays in Brazil attracted significant attention from European clubs. On July 28, 2025, Wesley completed a permanent transfer to Italian Serie A club AS Roma for a fee of €25 million, signing a five-year contract until June 2030. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his competitive debut for Roma in a 1-0 win against Bologna in August 2025. Under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Wesley quickly became a mainstay, known for his explosive pace, attacking output, and defensive maturity, earning him comparisons to legendary Brazilian right-backs like Cafu.
Wesley's ascent continued on the international stage. On March 6, 2025, he received his first call-up to the Brazil national team for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, making his full international debut on March 20, 2025. The pinnacle of his international career to date came on May 18, 2026, when he was included in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a historic achievement as the first player from Maranhão to represent Brazil in a World Cup.
As of June 6, 2026, Wesley França's market value is estimated to be around €40 million, reflecting his growing stature in European football. His strong performances for Roma in the 2025/2026 season, including appearances in the UEFA Europa League, have led to widespread transfer speculation. Several prominent Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Everton, are reportedly monitoring his situation, with Roma reportedly valuing him at €50 million. Despite the interest, Wesley is under a long-term contract with Roma, who are under no immediate pressure to sell, but the lure of the Premier League remains a significant factor for the young Brazilian.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Wesley Vinícius França Lima made different choices?