Bula FC have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Willian dos Santos Medina for the 2027 OFC Professional League season, bringing one of Oceania’s most prolific recent goalscorers to Fiji after his extraordinary performances for Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC.
The Brazilian became one of the standout players in Pacific football during the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, scoring 11 goals in just four matches and collecting both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards despite Galaxy’s elimination in the semifinals.
His arrival provides Bula FC head coach Stéphane Auvray with a proven attacking option as the Fijian representatives prepare for their second campaign in the region’s professional competition.
Medina’s reputation grew considerably during his time in Vanuatu, where he helped Galaxy retain the VFF Champions League title. The striker finished as the competition’s leading goalscorer with 16 goals, including hat-tricks in the semifinal against Police FC and the final against Classic FC.
His performances became even more remarkable when Galaxy travelled to Fiji for the continental championship in August.
Medina opened the tournament with three goals against Rewa FC in a 4-1 victory before repeating the achievement against Papua New Guinea’s Lae City and Cook Islands representatives Tupapa Maraerenga.
The three consecutive hat-tricks established a new record in the OFC Men’s Champions League, making him the first player in the competition’s 39-year history to achieve the feat.
Galaxy completed the group stage with three victories from three matches, scoring 14 goals and qualifying for the semifinals as one of the tournament’s strongest attacking teams.
Facing Solomon Islands champions Central Coast, Medina once again demonstrated his goalscoring ability, netting twice in the second half to overturn a two-goal deficit and force extra time.
Galaxy eventually suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat after Raphael Le’ai completed his hat-trick in the 117th minute, ending the Vanuatu club’s hopes of reaching their first continental final.
Nevertheless, Medina finished the competition with 11 goals, comfortably ahead of the other leading scorers, and was recognised as its outstanding player.
His performances also attracted considerable attention across Oceania, providing a strong foundation for his return to the Pacific with Bula FC.
After leaving Galaxy alongside fellow Brazilian Roberson Felipe dos Santos Ribeiro at the conclusion of their continental campaign, Medina returned to Brazil before securing his next opportunity in Fiji.
The striker explained that conversations with Bula FC coach Stéphane Auvray were central to his decision to join the club.
“His coaching style and the team’s performance in the last campaign convinced me to accept this challenge for the upcoming Pro League,” Medina said.
His previous experience in Vanuatu and participation in the OFC Champions League also gave him an appreciation of Fijian football and its supporters.
“I was able to see firsthand everyone’s passion for soccer and for the local clubs,” he added.
Bula FC finished third in the regular season of the inaugural OFC Professional League and qualified for the Top Four playoffs, establishing themselves among the competition’s leading sides.
The club have since continued strengthening their squad, with Medina joining a recruitment programme that has already brought New Zealand goalkeeper Jack de Groot and defender Michael Boffey to Fiji.
Several players from the inaugural campaign have also committed to another season, including Kaïlé Auvray, Thomas Dunn, Ryan Naresh and Semi Nabenu.
Medina’s signing offers a different dimension to the squad, particularly because of his experience scoring consistently against some of Oceania’s strongest clubs.
The Brazilian describes himself as a determined player who wants to contribute through his attacking performances and commitment to the team.
“I’m a player who always strives for victory, who has a winning spirit, and who seeks to convey that in every game and every contested play,” he explained.
“You can expect a lot of determination on the field. I’ll always give my best in every game, aim to score goals, and help the team win matches.”
His ambitions extend beyond individual performances, with the striker determined to help Bula FC improve on their results from the inaugural professional season.
“We know this is a high-level competition and that every club wants to win. I believe our first goal should be to make the playoffs again, and then aim for a bigger goal in the competition,” Medina said.
The move also offers an opportunity for the Brazilian to experience another Pacific football environment after establishing strong connections with teammates and supporters during his previous spell in Vanuatu.
Having already played competitive football in Fiji during the OFC Champions League, Medina is particularly enthusiastic about representing a Fijian club and experiencing the atmosphere created by its supporters.
“Playing the games in Fiji will also be very important in front of our fans. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
The arrival of the former Galaxy striker gives Bula FC a player with an established record of delivering goals in major regional competitions.
For Medina, the challenge will be to reproduce the remarkable form that made him one of the stars of the 2026 continental championship, this time over an entire professional league campaign.
For Bula FC, securing the Brazilian represents another statement of intent as the club seeks to build on its first season and establish itself among Oceania’s leading professional teams.
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