Bangkok United Signs Brazilian Striker Willian Popp
Brazilian striker Willian Popp, 32, has joined Bangkok United after three successful stints with Muangthong United, where he scored 63 goals in 108 appearances. The experienced forward will aim to help Bangkok pursue the league title starti
Bangkok United, a major Thai League 1 club, has announced the signing of Willian Popp, a Brazilian striker who recently played for Muangthong United last season. The club surprised fans with this major transfer market move for the 2026/27 season by signing 32-year-old Brazilian forward Willian Popp as an official new member. Popp expressed great excitement about the transfer, declaring his readiness to lead the team in pursuit of success across all competitions.
Willian Popp began his professional football career in Brazil with Joinville SC in 2014 before moving to Mogi Mirim on loan. At age 22, he sought new challenges in South Korea with Busan I'Park in the K League 2, where he immediately impressed with 18 goals and was selected for the K League 2 Team of the Season for 2016. Afterwards, Popp moved to play for Avispa Fukuoka in Japan's J League 2 before returning to South Korea to play for Bucheon FC 1995. He then moved back to Brazil's domestic league, playing for Figueirense FC and Ceará SC.
In the 2020-21 season, Willian Popp moved to Thailand for the first time, joining Muangthong United, and immediately became one of the league's key strikers with 12 goals and 2 assists from 21 appearances. In the following season, he played 29 matches, scoring 15 goals with 4 assists before moving back to Brazil briefly to play for Chapecoense in 2022. He returned to join Muangthong United again in 2023.
In 2024, Popp had the opportunity to face new challenges by moving to Shanghai Port from the Chinese Super League on loan before returning to play for Muangthong United again. Throughout his three periods with "Kirins", Popp appeared in a total of 108 matches across all competitions, scoring 63 goals with 18 assists, serving as a crucial attacking player. He consecutively scored over 10 goals across 3 seasons and set a club record as the top scorer for 3 consecutive seasons.
Recently, Popp decided to open a new chapter in his career by joining Bangkok United. He revealed for the first time that he feels very excited about this transfer, as Bangkok is a club with the potential to achieve success due to its clear playing style and abundance of quality players, both Thai and foreign. He is ready to be part of the team's efforts to reach its objectives this season.
Popp's arrival will enhance Bangkok's attacking game with his sharp finishing ability and talent for making a difference in the final third. With a record of 63 goals from 108 matches during his time playing in Thailand, this serves as strong evidence that he will not need time to adapt to this transfer. Popp will certainly be another key asset for Bangkok United's pursuit of success in the new season beginning in September.
