Football is a strange, messy business. Most kids in Brazil dream of being the next Neymar, wearing the yellow shirt and playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid. But for most, the reality is a lot more about grit, long bus rides, and constant uncertainty. Erick Samuel Correa Farias, or just Erick as he’s known on the pitch, is the living embodiment of that grind. He didn't take the easy road. Born in Pelotas on January 3, 1997, his career trajectory looks less like a straight line and more like a heart monitor—lots of ups, downs, and sudden jumps across the map.
Honestly, if you looked at his CV a few years ago, you might have called him a journeyman. But that’s a bit of a lazy label. By 2026, Erick Farias has turned himself into one of the most reliable Brazilian exports in Asian football, specifically in South Korea’s K League 1.
Why Erick Samuel Correa Farias is a Name You Should Know
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of Brazilian strikers playing abroad. What makes Erick stand out isn't necessarily a flashy highlight reel (though he has those). It’s his resilience. After bouncing through the lower tiers of Brazilian football and a brief, somewhat forgettable stint in Denmark with Vejle Boldklub as a teenager, he finally found his footing.
He’s a mobile forward. He isn't the guy who just stands in the box waiting for a cross. Whether he's playing as a center-forward or drifting out to the left wing, he’s constantly probing.
The real turning point? Ypiranga-RS.
Before that, he was playing for teams like Glória, Hercílio Luz, and Avenida. Teams that most casual fans have never heard of. But at Ypiranga, something clicked. He became the top scorer of the 2022 Campeonato Gaúcho. Think about that for a second. In a state that has giants like Grêmio and Internacional, a kid from Ypiranga was the one putting the most balls in the net. That’s when the bigger clubs started calling.
The Long Road to Ulsan HD
You’ve probably heard of Vasco da Gama. They are one of the biggest clubs in Brazil. In 2022, they brought Erick in on loan. It was supposed to be his big break. He helped them get promoted to the Série A, but it didn't quite stick. He only scored once in 14 games.
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Football is funny like that. Sometimes you’re at a massive club and it’s just the wrong fit.
He didn't let it break him, though. He went back, signed with Juventude in 2023, and guess what? He helped another team get promoted to the top flight. Two promotions in two years. That’s a "winner" mentality right there. His performances at Juventude, especially his ability to play as a poacher or a creative winger, caught the eyes of scouts halfway across the world.
In early 2025, Ulsan HD (formerly Ulsan Hyundai) dropped roughly €600k to bring him to South Korea. For a 28-year-old who had spent most of his career in the Brazilian second and third divisions, this was the validation he’d been working for his whole life.
Erick Farias by the Numbers (2025-2026)
If you're into the stats, his first full season in Korea was pretty eye-opening. We aren't talking video game numbers, but they are solid:
- Matches played: 34
- Goals: 11
- xG (Expected Goals): 10.75 (meaning he’s finishing exactly where he should be)
- Primary Foot: Right
- Height: 1.74m (He’s compact and hard to knock off the ball)
He’s currently wearing the number 7 for Ulsan. It’s a big jersey to fill, but he’s doing it.
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What Makes Him Different?
A lot of Brazilian players struggle with the culture shock of East Asia. The discipline is different. The food is different. The "K League" style of play is incredibly physical and fast-paced.
Erick Samuel Correa Farias seems to have skipped the adjustment period. Maybe it’s because he spent years playing on bumpy pitches in Rio Grande do Sul. Or maybe it’s the Danish experience he had when he was 20. Whatever it is, he’s adapted. He’s currently valued at around €1.2 million, and at 29 years old, he’s right in his prime.
He isn't just a goal-scorer. He’s a "Mobile Striker" in the truest sense. He averages a high number of touches in the middle third, meaning he drops back to help build the play. He’s not selfish. That’s why coaches love him.
The Misconceptions
People think because he’s played for 10+ clubs, he’s a "failed" prospect. That’s the biggest mistake you can make. In Brazil, the player market is a carousel. If you don't have a massive agent or a background in a top-four academy, you have to fight for every contract.
Erick didn't fail at Grêmio; he just had to take the long way around.
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The fact that he’s now a regular in the AFC Champions League Elite proves that the "journeyman" label was just a precursor to "late bloomer." He’s playing against the best teams in Japan, China, and Australia and holding his own.
What’s Next for Erick?
Ulsan HD has him under contract until the end of 2027. He’s a key part of their domestic title defense and their continental ambitions. If you’re a fan of the K League, you’ve probably seen him. If you aren’t, he’s the guy to watch if you want to see how a professional handles the "second act" of a career.
For young players, his story is basically a blueprint. Don't give up when the big club loan doesn't result in a permanent contract. Keep scoring goals in the lower leagues. Someone is always watching.
Next Steps for Fans and Scouts:
If you want to track his progress, follow the K League 1 matchday schedules. He’s particularly effective in transition, so keep an eye on Ulsan's away games where they play on the counter. You can also monitor his "xG" vs. actual goals on platforms like Transfermarkt or FotMob to see if his clinical finishing holds up as he enters his 30s.