Former FC Barcelona player and Corinthians icon Paulinho announced his retirement from football on social media this weekend.
In a heartfelt video, Paulinho expressed that he felt “privileged to have been a multi-champion and achieve significant victories,” including participating in two World Cups and playing for a prestigious club like Barcelona.
He reflected, “I left a great legacy,” noting that his final match with Corinthians, in front of 45,000 fans, felt like the perfect way to say farewell.
As noted by Barcelona when he joined them in 2017, the 36-year-old experienced a “long journey” that eventually led him to Camp Nou.
Paulinho began his career with Pao De Acucar and moved to Europe in the mid-2000s. He faced racial discrimination in Poland, which led him to return home and consider quitting football.
However, at Bragantino, Paulinho impressed and caught the attention of Sao Paulo’s Corinthians, who signed him on a two-year loan before making the deal permanent in 2012.
After winning the Brazilian Serie A in 2011, Paulinho went on to win the Libertadores and the Club World Cup in 2012, which led to a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Struggling to make an impact in London, Paulinho spent three seasons in China with Guangzhou Evergrande before moving to Barcelona in 2017 for a reported $44.4 million (€40 million). Despite initial skepticism, he became a fan favorite during his single season at Camp Nou, thanks to his positive demeanor and work ethic, scoring nine goals and contributing to La Liga and Copa del Rey victories under Ernesto Valverde.
Barcelona was Paulinho’s last European club; he later returned to Guangzhou, had a stint with Al-Ahli, and ended his career with Corinthians this year.
Paulinho’s career has been notable, and many Brazilian players who have made it across the Atlantic would be proud of his achievements.
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta praised him on Instagram, calling him “great” and a “brother,” and wished him “all the best always!”
