Home / Sports / Number 51: Pacho's Tribute Fuels PSG's Title Defense
Number 51: Pacho's Tribute Fuels PSG's Title Defense
30 May
Summary
- Pacho wears jersey 51 to honor his mother, who passed away at age 51.
- He has become a key defender for PSG, crucial in their Champions League run.
- Pacho is the first Ecuadorian to win a Champions League trophy.
Willian Pacho, who arrived at Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 from Ecuador, is set to play in his second consecutive Champions League final. The defender wears the number 51 jersey as a tribute to his mother, who passed away at that age. This number holds personal significance, providing him with strength during games.
Pacho's journey began in poverty in Quininde, Ecuador, a region affected by violence. He was discovered by Independiente del Valle, a renowned academy. After moving to Europe, he signed with PSG for €45 million, a move initially met with questions due to his relative obscurity.
He has since become an indispensable player, forming a strong defensive partnership with Marquinhos. Pacho was a key figure in PSG's 2025 Champions League victory, making him the first Ecuadorian to win the prestigious trophy.
PSG will face Arsenal on Saturday. A victory would see them join Real Madrid as the only team to retain the Champions League title since its rebranding in 1992. Pacho's solid performance has made him a reliable starter for PSG.
