Ba FC have strengthened their squad for the 2026 Pacific Community Cup with the addition of Brazilian striker Willian dos Santos Medina, the outstanding player of this year’s OFC Men’s Champions League. The 24-year-old forward, who scored an extraordinary 11 goals in four continental appearances for Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC, will represent the Men in Black as they attempt to add another trophy to an already historic season.
The announcement was made by Ba Football Association, with president Praneel Dayal welcoming the prolific attacker ahead of the tournament, which will be held at Four R Stadium, Govind Park, from November 25 to 29.
Medina’s recruitment represents another significant addition to a Ba team that has dominated Fiji’s domestic football competitions throughout 2026, winning the Extra Premier League, Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants and Inter-District Championship.
“We are thrilled to welcome a player of Willian Dos Santos Medina’s caliber to the Ba family for the 2026 Pacific Community Cup,” Dayal said.
“Coming off a standout campaign where he earned both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the Men’s Champions League, Willian brings elite finishing, dynamic leadership, and a proven winning mindset to our squad.”
The Brazilian became one of Oceania’s most talked-about footballers during August’s OFC Champions League in Fiji, producing a remarkable sequence of goalscoring performances for Galaxy FC.
He began the competition with a hat-trick in Galaxy’s 4-1 victory over Rewa at Churchill Park, before scoring another three goals against Papua New Guinea’s Lae City in a 3-1 win.
His extraordinary form continued in the final group match against Tupapa Maraerenga, when he completed a third consecutive hat-trick during Galaxy’s emphatic 7-1 victory.
The achievement made Medina the first player in the competition’s history to score hat-tricks in three successive matches, establishing him as the tournament’s standout attacking performer.
His influence continued during the semi-finals against Central Coast of Solomon Islands.
With Galaxy trailing 2-0, Medina scored twice to force extra time, bringing his tournament tally to eleven goals in just four appearances.
However, Raphael Le’ai completed a dramatic hat-trick in the 117th minute to secure a 3-2 victory for Central Coast and end Galaxy’s continental campaign.
Despite the elimination, Medina finished comfortably ahead of the other players in the goalscoring standings, collecting both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.
His performances followed another prolific campaign in Vanuatu, where he helped Galaxy retain the VFF Champions League title and finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 16 goals.
After leaving the Port Vila club and returning to Brazil, Medina secured his next professional opportunity with Bula FC.
The Fijian franchise announced his signing on October 28, confirming that he would join Stéphane Auvray’s squad for the 2027 OFC Professional League season.
His upcoming participation with Ba therefore provides an opportunity to return to competitive football in Fiji before beginning the next chapter of his professional career.
For Ba, his arrival comes at an important stage of preparations for the Pacific Community Cup.
The tournament will be staged in Fiji for the first time, bringing together four leading domestic clubs and six overseas-based teams representing Fijian communities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
As hosts, Ba have been drawn in Pool B alongside Navua FC, USA All Stars, AUFFI Australia All Stars and NZFFI Manukau All Stars.
Defending champions Rewa headline Pool A, where they will face Labasa, Canada All Stars, AUFFI All Stars and NZFFI Auckland All Stars.
Rewa won the 2025 competition in Auckland after defeating the Auckland All Stars 7-6 on penalties following a goalless final.
Ba, meanwhile, will be determined to capitalise on home advantage and extend their remarkable winning run.
The Men in Black completed an unprecedented clean sweep of Fiji’s four major domestic titles this season, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Navua in the Inter-District Championship final.
Their success has been built on a squad featuring several experienced players, including Solomon Islands international John Orobulu, who played an important role in the club’s domestic achievements.
Adding Medina provides another attacking option, particularly in a tournament where matches will last 60 minutes rather than the traditional 90.
The shortened format could place additional importance on clinical finishing, with teams having less time to recover from conceding goals.
Dayal believes the Brazilian’s arrival reflects the club’s ambition to continue competing for honours beyond Fiji’s established domestic competitions.
“His signing reflects our ambition to keep elevating Ba FC on the regional stage and deliver the success our passionate supporters deserve,” the president stated.
Medina’s return to Govind Park will also bring back memories of his extraordinary performances at the same venue during August’s OFC Champions League.
Having already established himself as one of the most prolific forwards to compete in Oceania’s premier club tournament, the Brazilian now has an opportunity to make an immediate impact for another Pacific football powerhouse.
For Ba supporters, his arrival adds further excitement to the prospect of hosting the Pacific Community Cup.
And after winning four trophies in 2026, the Men in Black have made another statement of intent as they pursue a fifth title to complete an exceptional year.
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