Early career

Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, William started his career with hometown amateurs Sete de Setembro. After a short spell with Desportiva Capixaba, he signed for Ipatinga in 1999, and was a regular starter for the club until joining Cabofriense in 2001.

In 2002, William returned to his native state after agreeing to a contract with América Mineiro, a club he already represented as a youth. He failed to settle into any team in the following campaigns, representing Francana, Portuguesa and Joinville before suffering a serious injury in 2004.

In 2005 William returned to Ipatinga, and subsequently became an undisputed starter for the side.

Grêmio

On 1 April 2006, William was presented at Grêmio.^[1]

Corinthians

In 2007, after the arrival of Mano Menezes to Corinthians and the demand of time for players to form their defensive sector, William, who had worked and had credibility with Mano Menezes ended up being requested by the coach and hired by Corinthians. He was hired for a period of 6 months with possibility of extension, which was later made. With the departure of Betão to Santos, William was chosen as team captain. With the Timão he was runner-up on the Brazil Cup in 2008. On November 8, 2008 he won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B with Corinthians. In 2009 they won the Campeonato Paulista (undefeated), and the Copa do Brasil. In 2010, the captain led a campaign in conjunction with the then sponsor of the club, to help the people who suffered from the earthquake in Haiti.