Paulinho, the iconic Brazilian midfielder known for his stints at Corinthians and FC Barcelona, officially announced his retirement from football over the weekend. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, the 36-year-old reflected on a career that saw him rise from humble beginnings to playing for some of the world’s most prestigious clubs, as well as representing Brazil in two World Cups.
The announcement marked the end of an illustrious career for Paulinho, whose journey spanned multiple continents and leagues. In his emotional message, the midfield maestro expressed gratitude for the many accolades and experiences he had accumulated throughout his time on the pitch.
“I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and win important things,” he said, referring to his numerous titles, both in domestic leagues and on the international stage.
Paulinho also spoke candidly about his final appearance for Corinthians, a club where he left an indelible mark. “In my last game with Corinthians, with 45 thousand Corinthianos, I felt that it would be my last game,” Paulinho shared. “There would be no better way to say goodbye.” His deep connection to the Sao Paulo-based club was evident, as Corinthians played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom.
The midfielder’s journey was anything but smooth. Starting his professional career with Pao de Acucar in Brazil, Paulinho faced significant hurdles early on. He ventured to Europe in the mid-2000s, signing with Polish club ŁKS Łódź, but his time in Poland was marred by incidents of racism. Disillusioned, Paulinho returned home to Brazil, at one point contemplating quitting football altogether.
However, his fortunes changed after joining Bragantino, where his performances caught the eye of Corinthians. Initially joining on loan, Paulinho made a significant impact, eventually helping Corinthians to win the 2011 Brazilian Serie A title. The following year, he was instrumental in the team’s victories in both the Copa Libertadores and the FIFA Club World Cup, further cementing his status as a key player in Brazilian football.
These achievements earned him a high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League in 2013. While his time in North London was less successful than expected, with Paulinho struggling to make a lasting impact, he found a fresh start in China with Guangzhou Evergrande. There, he rejuvenated his career, winning multiple domestic titles and catching the attention of European scouts once again.
In 2017, Paulinho made a surprise return to European football, joining FC Barcelona in a transfer worth €40 million ($44.4 million). Despite initial skepticism surrounding the move, Paulinho quickly won over fans at the Camp Nou with his relentless work ethic and ability to score crucial goals. During his one-season spell at Barca, he netted nine goals, helping the club to secure both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles under the management of Ernesto Valverde.
Reflecting on his time at the Catalan club, Paulinho expressed pride in his accomplishments. “I left a great legacy,” he said, noting the significance of his contributions to Barca during his brief but memorable tenure.
After his stint in Spain, Paulinho returned to Guangzhou Evergrande and later played for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia before finishing his career with Corinthians in 2023. Over the course of his career, Paulinho earned 56 caps for Brazil, competing in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
Tributes poured in from across the football world following the announcement of his retirement. Former Barcelona teammate and club legend Andres Iniesta took to Instagram to congratulate Paulinho on his career, calling him “great” and a “brother.” “All the best always!” Iniesta added, highlighting the deep respect and camaraderie shared between the two players.
As Paulinho steps away from the game, his legacy as a hard-working, versatile midfielder who achieved success across multiple continents is assured.
