An ambitious season demands an ambitious offseason.
On Friday, January 31, Seattle Sounders FC announced the signing of 28-year-old midfielder João Paulo. The Brazilian playmaker joins the Rave Green after an illustrious career in Brazil, most recently with Botafogo, and will now occupy one of three Designated Player roster spots for the 2020 season.
It is perhaps the most notable winter signing under General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey, and it’s the first time the Sounders have acquired a Designated Player during the offseason since Lagerwey took the helm prior to the 2015 season. As the Sounders prepare a busy campaign beginning with Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League matches next month, having a strong, experienced roster will be paramount to achieving the club’s goals in 2020.
“We are pleased to announce João Paulo, a talented and versatile player that brings a lot of experience to our club,” said General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “His signing adds a strong piece to an already talented roster, and we’re excited about the way our team is taking shape as the season approaches.”
Sounders FC’s coaching staff anticipates João Paulo to provide an instant impact, where he can play all over the midfield.
“I have this DNA in me that is defensive, but I also have the quality to play offensively,” João Paulo said through a translator. “I have a good pass, and the last pass to find my teammates in position to shoot on goal.”
Born in Serafina Corrêa in southern Brazil, João Paulo broke into the professional ranks with Sport Club Internacional in 2010, then went on three loans to various Brazilian clubs before joining Santa Cruz in 2016. He has been at Botafogo for the past three years, where he shined in midfield for one of the country’s largest teams. In 2017, they reached the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.
“I had some really good moments at Botafogo,” Joao Paulo said through a translator. “It's a very big club, with many fans in Brazil.”
After spending the entirety of his career in his home country, João Paulo is ready for the next challenge. He has two young children, and despite being in Seattle for just a few days so far, he has enjoyed the city and looks forward to settling his family in the Pacific Northwest. Although he prefers his native tongue (Portuguese), he attributes his English knowledge to watching American TV shows and movies.
“It’s a big challenge, it’s a champion,” João Paulo said. “It’s a really nice team with really good players. It’s a big challenge for me and I’m very competitive, so I am excited to be here and be part of the Seattle Sounders.”
