Wellington Paulista


Wellington Pereira do Nascimento, known as Wellington Paulista, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Fortaleza.

Career

Born in São Paulo, he started as a youth team player with Juventus-SP. He gained experience while on loan to Mirassol, Paraná and Santos, where he scored nine goals in 30 games. This performance brought him to the attention of the Spanish Second Division club Deportivo Alavés. Moving to Spain in 2006, he remained with Alavés until December 2007, when he returned to his home country to sign with Botafogo. Paulista scored seven league goals in 28 appearances and was part of the Botafogo side that won the Rio Cup.

Cruzeiro

He signed a contract with Cruzeiro in 2009, and in the same year, scored 21 times in 38 appearances to help Cruzeiro finish fourth in Serie A and win the 2009 Minas Gerais State League. Five of his goals came in the Copa Libertadores, with Cruzeiro reaching the final, where they were beaten by Estudiantes. His haul of 10 goals in 30 appearances in 2010 helped Cruzeiro finish second in Serie A and reach the quarterfinals of Copa Libertadores. Loaned to Palmeiras in 2011, Paulista returned to Cruzeiro in 2012, scoring 28 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions before leaving for West Ham United on loan in 2013.

West Ham United

On 11 January 2013, he signed a six-month loan deal with West Ham United with an option for a further three years, becoming West Ham's fourth signing of the winter 2012–13 transfer window. About his move, Paulista said "I think I can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better". Paulista was a named substitute for two of West Ham's games, against Southampton and Reading, but left the club without having made a first team appearance.

Return to Brazil: Criciúma and Internacional

Paulista came to Criciúma after leaving England. After this, he signed with the Brazilian football team Internacional.
Paulista expected to be a new player for Porto Alegre, but had to wait for his release from Cruzeiro, which had control of him. He was finally announced on 26 December 2013 and replaced Leandro Damião, who transferred for Santos FC, substitute in Colorado.

Fortaleza

In March 2019, he signed a two year contract with Fortaleza.

Honours

;Botafogo
;Cruzeiro
;Internacional
;Chapecoense