Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, William started his career with hometown amateurs Sete de Setembro.
After a short spell with Desportiva Capixaba, he signed for Ipatinga in 1999, and was a regular starter for the club until joining Cabofriense in 2001.
In 2002, William returned to his native state after agreeing to a contract with América Mineiro, a club he already represented as a youth.
He failed to settle into any team in the following campaigns, representing Francana, Portuguesa and Joinville before suffering a serious injury in 2004.
In 2010, the captain led a campaign in conjunction with the then sponsor of the club, to help the people who suffered from the earthquake in Haiti.