Ilsinho facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ilsinho

Ilsinho with the Philadelphia Union in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Ilson Pereira Dias Júnior
Date of birth	(1985-10-12) 12 October 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth	São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Height	1.78 m
Playing position	Right midfielder
Youth career
2001–2005	Palmeiras
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006	Palmeiras	5	(0)
2006–2007	São Paulo	33	(2)
2007–2010	Shakhtar Donetsk	56	(10)
2010–2011	São Paulo	15	(2)
2011–2012	Internacional	11	(0)
2012–2015	Shakhtar Donetsk	53	(7)
2016–2021	Philadelphia Union	127	(21)
Total		300	(42)
National team
2008	Brazil U23	4	(0)
2007	Brazil	1	(0)
Honours Representing  Brazil Men's Football Bronze 2008 Beijing Team Competition
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Ilson Pereira Dias Júnior (born October 12, 1985), known as Ilsinho, is a Brazilian retired professional football player. He mostly played as a right midfielder. He started his career as a right-back. Later, at Shakhtar Donetsk, he became a winger. He was known for his amazing skill and speed.

Ilsinho started playing for Palmeiras in 2006. He then moved to São Paulo later that year. In 2007, he joined Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. There, he famously won the UEFA Cup in the 2008–09 season. He returned to São Paulo in 2010 and then played for Internacional in 2011. In 2012, he went back to Shakhtar Donetsk. Finally, in 2016, Ilsinho signed with the Philadelphia Union in the United States.

Club Career Highlights

Starting in Brazil: Palmeiras and São Paulo

Ilsinho began his football journey in 2006. He played for Palmeiras in his home state of São Paulo. He played as a right full-back. Later that year, he joined rival club São Paulo FC. He spent two seasons there. During this time, he helped São Paulo win the 2006 and 2007 Brazilian League titles.

Success in Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk

Ilsinho with FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

On July 29, 2007, Ilsinho moved to the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. He signed a four-year contract. He quickly became known for his great dribbling and how well he saw the field.

In the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, he scored his first goal in a big European club competition. It was against FC Barcelona. Shakhtar finished third in their group. This meant they moved to the UEFA Cup competition.

Ilsinho was a very important player in Shakhtar's UEFA Cup journey. He scored a winning goal against Dynamo Kyiv. This helped his team reach the finals. In the final match, Ilsinho played for 87 minutes. Shakhtar won against Werder Bremen in extra time. This was the club's first European trophy ever!

Back to Brazil: São Paulo and Internacional

In August 2010, Ilsinho went back to Brazil. He rejoined his old club, São Paulo FC. There was a disagreement about his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk. A sports court later decided that Ilsinho needed to pay his old club some money.

In August 2011, Ilsinho left São Paulo. He then signed with SC Internacional.

Second Time at Shakhtar Donetsk

Ilsinho returned to Shakhtar in January 2012. He signed a new contract for three and a half years. He wore the number 77 jersey. His first game back was a 1–1 draw against Dnipro. He scored his first goal in his second time with Shakhtar in a 4–0 win.

The 2012–13 season started well. Ilsinho helped Shakhtar win the Ukrainian Super Cup 2–0. He scored goals in his first two league matches. He left Shakhtar Donetsk when his contract ended on June 30, 2015.

Playing in the USA: Philadelphia Union

On February 24, 2016, Ilsinho signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Union. In his first few seasons, he worked hard to stay fit. He formed great attacking partnerships with his teammates. He often played as a winger on the right side. Sometimes, he also played as a central attacking midfielder.

During the 2019 season, Ilsinho became a "super-sub." This means he often came off the bench to make a big impact. He started only 7 games but played in 28. The Union's offense was much stronger when he was on the field. He helped the team score many more goals. After a big comeback win against New York Red Bulls, he earned the nickname "the cheatcode" in the MLS. He finished 2019 with eight assists and five goals.

In January 2020, Ilsinho signed another one-year contract with the Union. After the 2021 season, his contract ended. In March 2022, Ilsinho officially announced he was retiring from professional football.

International Career

On March 8, 2007, Ilsinho was called up to the Brazil squad for the first time. He played in two friendly matches. He made his international debut against Ghana on March 27, 2007. He started the game as the right-back. Famous Brazilian players like Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Robinho were also in that starting team.

Ilsinho was also part of Brazil's team for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The team won a Bronze medal, finishing in third place. He first played as a substitute in Brazil's 5–0 win over New Zealand. He later started in the 3–0 victory against China.

Personal Life

Ilsinho has a U.S. green card. This means he is considered a domestic player for MLS teams.

Career Statistics

Club

Honours and Awards

São Paulo

• Brazilian Série A: 2006

Shakhtar Donetsk

• UEFA Cup: 2008–09
• Ukrainian Premier League: 2007–08, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14
• Ukrainian Cup: 2007–08, 2011–12, 2012–13
• Ukrainian Super Cup: 2008, 2012, 2014

Philadelphia Union

• Supporters' Shield: 2020

Brazil

• Summer Olympics Bronze medal winner: 2008

Individual Awards

• Brazilian Bola de Prata (Placar): 2006
• Best XI Ukrainian Premier League: 2007–2008

See also

In Spanish: Ilson Pereira Dias Júnior para niños