Wendel Silva

Wendel da Silva Costa (born 2 August 2000), sometimes known as just Wendel, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ceará, on loan from Santa Clara.

Career Flamengo Born in Rio de Janeiro, Wendel joined Flamengo's youth sides in 2015, aged 15. He made his first team debut on 17 January 2018, starting in a 2–0 Campeonato Carioca away win over Volta Redonda, as the club used only under-20 players.

After another appearance in the Carioca, Wendel subsequently returned to the under-20s, netting the winner in the 2018 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior final over São Paulo which ensured Flas fourth title in the competition. He would continue to feature in the under-20 squad in the following years, featuring in a further three appearances with the main squad in the 2020 Carioca.

Leixões On 25 August 2020, Liga Portugal 2 club Leixões announced the signing of Wendel. He made his debut abroad on 19 September, coming on as a late substitute for compatriot Lucas Lopes in a 0–0 away draw against Arouca.

Loan to Covilhã In February 2021, after being rarely used, Wendel was loaned to fellow second division club Sporting da Covilhã until the end of the season. He scored his first professional goal while at the club, netting the equalizer in a 2–2 away draw against Mafra on 24 April.

2021–22 season Upon returning, Wendel became a regular starter for Leixões, and scored his first goal for the club on 22 August 2021, in a 2–1 home win over Académica de Coimbra. He finished the campaign with six goals, as the club finished in the eighth position.

Porto On 11 July 2022, Wendel transferred to FC Porto's B-team, also in the second level. He made his first team debut on 25 November, coming off the bench to replace Wendell Borges for the final two minutes of a 2–2 home draw against Mafra in the Taça da Liga.

Despite only featuring in one further appearance for the main squad (a 3–1 Taça de Portugal home win over Vitória de Guimarães on 17 April 2024), Wendel was a first-choice for the B's, scoring eight goals in 2022–23 and a career-best 18 goals in 2023–24.

Loan to Santos On 19 August 2024, Wendel was announced at Santos back in his home country on loan until July 2025, for a rumoured fee of € 500,000, plus an obligatory €3 million buyout clause if the player scores 15 goals during the loan period. He made his debut for the club five days later, starting in a 0–0 Série B home draw against Amazonas, and scored his first goal on 7 September, in a 1–0 away win over Brusque.

Despite finishing the 2024 season as a starter, Wendel was not a first-choice under new head coach Pedro Caixinha.

Loan to Santa Clara On 1 February 2025, after having his loan with Santos cut short, Wendel returned to Portugal with Santa Clara.

Career statistics Club

Honours Flamengo Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior: 2018 Campeonato Carioca: 2020

Porto Taça da Liga: 2022–23

Santos Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2024

Individual Liga Portugal 2 Player of the Month: October/November 2023 Liga Portugal 2 Forward of the Month: October/November 2023 Liga Portugal 2 Goal of the Month: February 2023