Early Life and Family Background: Paulinho was born in São Paulo, Brazil, to Paulo Sérgio and Erica Maciel. Growing up in the bustling city of São Paulo, Paulinho was immersed in the football culture from a young age. His family, like many in Brazil, was passionate about the sport, and it was evident that Paulinho had a natural talent for the game. Despite the challenges of growing up in a lower-middle-class household, his parents supported his football dreams, ensuring that he had the opportunity to develop his skills.
Early Career and Hardships: Paulinho’s football journey began in the youth ranks of Pão de Açúcar, a small club in São Paulo. His early years were marked by determination and a drive to succeed, but it wasn’t an easy path. At the age of 16, he moved to Lithuania to join FC Vilnius, a decision that proved to be a challenging chapter in his life. The cultural differences, language barriers, and the cold European climate made it difficult for the young Brazilian to adapt. Despite showing promise on the pitch, the overall experience was tough, and after a brief stint, he moved to Poland to play for LKS Łódź. However, this move also failed to meet his expectations, and Paulinho returned to Brazil feeling disheartened.
Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom: Paulinho’s return to Brazil was a turning point in his career. He joined Pão de Açúcar again before moving to Bragantino, where his performances caught the eye of bigger clubs. In 2010, Paulinho signed with Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most prestigious clubs. This move marked the beginning of his rise to stardom. At Corinthians, Paulinho became a key player, helping the team win several major titles, including the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2011 and the Copa Libertadores in 2012. His performances earned him a place in the Brazilian national team, where he continued to impress.
Later Career and Return to Brazil: After a successful season at Barcelona, Paulinho returned to Guangzhou Evergrande, where he continued to perform at a high level. His career in China further solidified his reputation as a versatile and hardworking midfielder. In 2021, Paulinho returned to Brazil, rejoining Corinthians briefly before exploring other opportunities, including a stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.
Personal Life and Legacy: Paulinho is married to Bárbara Cartaxo, and the couple has two children. He is known for his strong work ethic, humility, and dedication to his family. Throughout his career, Paulinho has faced numerous challenges, from his difficult early experiences in Europe to the ups and downs in his club career. However, his resilience and determination have made him one of the most respected Brazilian footballers of his generation.
Real Name: José Paulo Bezerra Maciel Júnior
Date of Birth: July 25, 1988
Birth Place: São Paulo, Brazil
Residence: Brazil
Profession: Professional Footballer
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Christianity
Partner: Bárbara Cartaxo
Father: Paulo Sérgio
Mother: Erica Maciel
Horoscope: Leo
Age: 36 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 72 kg (159 lbs)
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black