William de Mattia: From Midfield Versatility to Managerial Leadership
In the dynamic world of Brazilian football, few individuals transition from the pitch to the touchline with as much variety in their journey as William de Mattia. Known to many in the sporting community as Dema, de Mattia has carved out a professional legacy that spans multiple continents and roles, evolving from a reliable midfielder into a strategic football coach.
Born on April 28, 1983, in Criciúma, Brazil, de Mattia possesses a physical presence suited for the midfield, standing at 1.79 meters. His career is a testament to the nomadic nature of professional football, characterized by a willingness to adapt to different leagues and tactical systems.
Key Facts
- Full Name: William de Mattia (also known as Dema)
- Date of Birth: April 28, 1983
- Place of Birth: Criciúma, Brazil
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Career Transition: Successfully moved from professional playing to managerial roles starting in 2019.
- International Experience: Played in Greece and Finland during his active playing years.
Professional Playing Career
William de Mattia's playing career began in the early 2000s, where he developed his skills across various Brazilian clubs. His early years saw him featuring for teams such as Tubarão, Gama, and Figueirense. By 2005, his talent earned him a move to Europe, joining Skoda Xanthi in Greece, where he made 12 appearances and scored one goal.
The most prolific chapter of his playing days occurred in Finland. While contracted to FC PoPa between 2009 and 2011, de Mattia became a versatile asset, spending significant time on loan. He contributed to several Finnish clubs, including Tampere United, HJK Helsinki, and Haka. His tenure at Haka was particularly notable, as he remained with the club through 2013, contributing a total of 19 appearances and 5 goals across his loan and permanent stints.
Following his European venture, de Mattia returned to Brazil to conclude his playing career. He represented several clubs including Juventude, Guarani de Palhoça, Hercílio Luz, and São Paulo-RS, eventually retiring from active play after the 2017 season.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to Management
After stepping away from the pitch, de Mattia transitioned into coaching, applying his extensive tactical knowledge of the midfield to lead teams from the sidelines. He began his managerial journey in 2019 with Nova Mutum, serving there until 2021.
His coaching career has been marked by a series of appointments across various Brazilian clubs. In 2022, he managed Grêmio Anápolis and Juventus Jaraguá. Between 2023 and 2024, he took the helm at Treze, a role he returned to in 2025. His forward-looking trajectory includes appointments at Brasil de Pelotas, Sergipe, and Volta Redonda.
Career Summary Table
| Phase | Key Teams/Clubs | Notable Stats/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career (Brazil) | Tubarão, Gama, Figueirense | 2002–2005 |
| European Stint (Greece) | Skoda Xanthi, Kastoria | 12 Apps (1 Goal) |
| European Stint (Finland) | FC PoPa, Haka, HJK Helsinki | Multiple Loans (2009–2014) |
| Late Career (Brazil) | Juventude, São Paulo-RS | Retired 2017 |
| Managerial Career | Nova Mutum, Treze, Volta Redonda | 2019–2026 (Projected) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What playing position did William de Mattia occupy?
William de Mattia played as a midfielder throughout his professional playing career.
Which European countries did de Mattia play in?
He played in Greece (with Skoda Xanthi and Kastoria) and Finland (with FC PoPa, Tampere United, HJK Helsinki, and Haka).
When did William de Mattia start his managerial career?
He began his career as a manager in 2019 with the club Nova Mutum.
What is the nickname used by William de Mattia?
He is sometimes known by the name Dema.
Which Finnish club did he have the most significant impact on?
Based on his appearances and goals, Haka was one of his most significant Finnish clubs, where he played both on loan and as a permanent player between 2011 and 2013.