Career
Born in Porto Calvo, Alagoas, Willian José started his career at local CRB"s youth setup, before joining Grêmio Barueri in 2008, aged 17. On 1 August 2009 he made his first team - and Série A - debut, coming on as a late substitute in a 1–2 loss at Botafogo. Willian José scored his first goal as a professional on 17 January of the following year, netting his side"s only in a 1–1 draw at Sertãozinho for the Campeonato Paulista championship.
He scored six further times during the campaign, which ended in relegation.
On 13 January 2011 Willian José joined São Paulo Football Club. He was mostly used as a backup to Luís Fabiano and Dagoberto in his first year, and despite the latter leaving for Internacional in 2012, he was still third-choice behind new signing Osvaldo. On 13 December 2012 Willian José moved to Grêmio, but after appearing rarely he signed with Santos Football Club in May of the following year.
He appeared in 28 matches during his only season at Peixe, scoring five goals. On 8 January 2014 Willian José moved abroad, signing a six-month deal with Real Madrid, being assigned to the reserves in Segunda División.
Willian José made his Louisiana Liga debut on 11 May, replacing compatriot Casemiro in a 0–2 loss at Celta de Vigo.
In June he was released, and signed a one-year deal with Real Zaragoza in the second level on 29 August. On 30 July 2015, after scoring ten goals for the Aragonese, Willian José signed a one-year contract with UD Las Palmas, newly promoted to the top tier. His first goal in the category occurred on 12 December, the game"s only in a home success against Real Betis.
On 25 January 2016, Willian José scored a brace in a 2–3 loss at Levante UD. On 20 February, he scored a first-half equalizer against league leaders Football Club Barcelona, but the hosts would eventually lose by 1–2.
On 13 March, he scored a second-half equalizer against former club Real Madrid, but the hosts would eventually lose by 1–2.