The debate is surely over. Yes, futsal has never been blessed by as many exceptional goalkeepers. No, nobody is on the same planet as the bearded one.

Willian won the sport’s Best Men’s Goalkeeper award for the first time days before the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ kicked off. He was then outstanding as Brazil reached the final. In it he was otherworldly.

Willian, indeed, made 25 saves – several spectacular – to inspire Brazil to a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Argentina. He was close to helping them become the first team to keep a clean sheet in the final. He was named Player of the Match and collected the tournament’s adidas Golden Glove.

“He was amazing,” raved Ferrao. “That’s why he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. He showed that his award was completely deserved. Not just in the final, but throughout the competition. I don’t have words that do him justice. Congratulations for the unreal game he had.”

“I don’t know how many saves he made, but it was a lot,” said Pito. “Some of them were spectacular, but for us it’s normal seeing him do that. He’s an unbelievable goalkeeper and he played an incredible game.”

Marlon added: “It’s hard to believe some of the saves he makes. You have to see replays to understand how he’s managed to keep the ball out.

“He’s the best goalkeeper in the world. He made a huge contribution to this title. Thank God Willian is Brazilian.”

The man himself, who was only made Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper on the eve of the tournament, was overcome by emotion.

“I haven’t stopped crying,” said Willian. “The emotions are indescribable. The tiredness and emotional stress of this long journey were very high. Our three pivots were injured. To win the World Cup despite all of that is a spectacular achievement.”