Wesley: Aiming to win the championship for Shenzhen and write my history here

Photo by Li Jiangwen

Reporter Wang Wei reports from Shenzhen Joining in the second transfer window of the 2025 season, he scored 10 goals in the second half of the 2025 CSL and 8 goals in the first half of the 2026 season. Wesley's performance for Shenzhen Xinpengcheng has been nothing short of top-tier. Before the start of the second half of the CSL season, our reporter conducted an exclusive interview with the 29-year-old Brazilian striker at the team's training base. During the interview, he stated that with the addition of more outstanding players and the team's growing chemistry, Shenzhen Xinpengcheng can deliver even better performances. Wesley believes the team can eventually contend for the title and bring the CSL championship to Shenzhen, writing "his own history" in the city.

◆Football: Hello Wesley, you have a rich career with Premier League Aston Villa and winning the Turkish Süper Lig golden boot. What opportunity led you to choose Shenzhen Xinpengcheng? What aspect of the team appealed to you?

Wesley: Before joining Xinpengcheng, our communication and negotiations with the club lasted nearly three months. While I was still playing in the Turkish Süper Lig, the club's sporting director Daniel contacted my agent and introduced me to the club's background, including its ambitions for further development. I was already very interested in Xinpengcheng at that time. Also, before moving from Club Brugge to Aston Villa, I had received an offer from Guangzhou Evergrande, so I had some understanding of Chinese football. I felt that Shenzhen Xinpengcheng was a very exciting club, so I decided to join.

◆You are 1.91 meters tall, with aerial duels and being a focal point in the box as your core strengths. How do you feel these characteristics have been utilized in the CSL?

My position is striker, and my job on the pitch is to score goals. I make sure that every time I step onto the field, I give my all and leverage my strengths. I also want to thank all my teammates, because they trust me a lot and know my abilities, always getting the ball to my feet. Of course, I don't let that trust down—I've scored goals and also created some assists. So, I'm quite satisfied with my current situation.

◆You played as an attacking midfielder in your youth before transitioning to a full-time center-forward. How has that midfield experience helped your current playing style?

That actually had to do with the team's formation at the time. Back then, the team mostly played a 4-4-2, so the two forwards had different roles. The coach wanted me to drop a bit deeper and use my ball control and passing to create more opportunities for the team. So it was more of a tactical requirement.

Wesley being interviewed by our reporter (Photo by Li Jiangwen)

◆You are currently in the prime of your career. What kind of story do you hope to leave at Shenzhen Xinpengcheng?

As I just said, I'm very happy here. With more and more quality new players joining, I look forward to Xinpengcheng competing in the AFC Champions League in the future, or even becoming CSL champions one day. That's our shared aspiration.

◆Since joining the team, your chemistry with the local wingers and midfielders has grown. Also, you are the team captain. What has been your biggest impression of partnering with Chinese players during the integration process? Any memorable combination goals?

Actually, I had taken on a similar "captain" role at other clubs before, so this isn't entirely new to me. When dealing with Chinese players, I think respect is very important. I respect all my Chinese teammates, and they respect and trust me in return. As that mutual respect strengthens, our trust and chemistry on the field improve. It's a state of mutual support, understanding, and inclusion.

The most memorable combination goal was my first match with the team, where I scored a hat-trick. In that game, veteran Jiang Zhipeng (Brother Jiang) assisted me twice. From then on, I felt our chemistry really clicked.

◆Football: This season, the team is striving for a better league position. As the core striker, what goals have you set for the second half of the season in terms of team performance and your personal goals and assists?

Wesley: Every coach has a different style. For example, where we are now in the standings, we have to thank our previous coach, Chen Tao, for getting us to this position. The new coach, Neilson, also plays an aggressive style, and we are gradually adapting. Last year we were fighting for survival, but this year we hope to achieve a good ranking. This isn't just my personal goal—it's the team's collective expectation. With a solid foundation, we can keep moving up next year. The most important thing now is to take each game step by step and end the season with a better result than last year.

◆Your team has new signings this year. Any that have impressed you?

Players like Zhou Dingyang play a very obvious role in our team—his running in midfield helps us a lot. Ademi has been in better shape this year and has scored goals. As for players from other teams, Felipe from Chengdu Rongcheng has also scored some great goals.

◆Since you joined, you've experienced three head coaches. The club has been constantly trying to improve the team's level and results. As a player, can you feel the club's determination to change and improve? Are you confident about the team's future?

Every coach has different philosophies and tactics. It's true that when results are poor, someone needs to take responsibility, and that ultimately falls on the head coach—since you can't let go of all the players, the coach leaves. The new coach has brought a more aggressive style, likes us to press high, and we are looking forward to playing better. I have full confidence in the team. The most important thing now is to prepare for the next game and help the new signing, Gabriel, build more confidence.

◆Comparing the Premier League and the Turkish Süper Lig with the CSL, what are the obvious differences in pace, defense, and physicality?

The Premier League is the best league in the world, so the level of physical intensity there is incomparable. Turkey also has many technically gifted players and intense battles. However, I think the CSL is developing well too. This year, investment in many areas has increased—for example, the foreign signings are more competitive than last year's—so it's getting better every year.

◆Football: Which team do you think will win the upcoming World Cup? Any players you admire?

Wesley: I haven't been watching the World Cup continuously, but sometimes I catch a game when I wake up in the morning. It's hard to predict because there are many strong teams, like Spain and Portugal—they are all very capable. In the end, it comes down to their performance on the day. Of course, I'm Brazilian, so I'd say I want Brazil to win, but the final result depends on the pitch. As for players, everyone has different characteristics, so I don't focus on anyone in particular; I just watch when I have time.

◆Brazilian players have achieved great success in the Chinese league. Which Brazilian foreign players in China are you familiar with? Have you communicated with them?

Before coming to China, I didn't contact any Brazilian players already playing here. But as a Brazilian player, I can adapt quickly to any league. When I received the contract from Xinpengcheng, I saw it as a great opportunity to experience a different culture. After arriving, I really like Shenzhen, and I hope to stay here long-term to help my team develop further.

Wesley with his interpreter (Photo by Li Jiangwen)

◆What is your impression of the city of Shenzhen?

The sea in Shenzhen is beautiful, and the city is very nice. But I haven't had much time to explore yet—most of my time is spent on training and matches.

◆After living in Shenzhen for a while, how have you adapted to the food, language, and city atmosphere? How do you relax in your free time? Have you experienced any local Shenzhen culture?

I mainly rely on my interpreter to help me adapt to life in Shenzhen. So, jokingly, I hope my interpreter can stay with me forever. There's an Italian restaurant near the training base that we often go to—it's very good. There's also a Mexican restaurant near where I live, which I like. And there are several Brazilian home-style restaurants in Shenzhen that I enjoy.

◆Shenzhen fans come to cheer for the team every match. What would you like to say to the Xinpengcheng supporters who have always backed you?

Thank you to the fans for their love. I hope to repay them with my performances on the pitch. As I said, I want to help the team achieve a better ranking through our efforts. If we can eventually contend for the title and win the championship for the city of Shenzhen, I want to write my own history here. I will always give my maximum effort on the field to repay our fans.