The opportunity to participate in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup marks a major career milestone for the Sounders FC players. But it's the team’s first opponent that will make the experience truly unforgettable for Seattle midfielder João Paulo.
On Sunday, June 15, João Paulo and the Sounders face Botafogo — the Brazilian international’s former team — in their first match of the group stage.
“I'm glad to see some familiar faces,” he said. “Of course, there's no more players [that I played with] on the roster because it's been a while, but I still have some connections there, some of the staff, so it'll be good to see them and I feel like it'd be a great matchup.”
Prior to joining the Rave Green, the veteran midfielder spent three seasons with the Brazilian side where he was featured in 119 appearances across all competitions and collected a total of seven goals and 11 assists for the club. His most notable season came in 2017, when he supported Botafogo toward the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, the team’s deepest run in the top-tier South American football competition (at the time) since 2013.
“When I was there, we had a lot of issues off the field, so it was a hard three seasons, but I can say we put a lot of work, a lot of effort, to give Botafogo a good chance to compete,” said João Paulo. “It was a special two years, three seasons in Botafogo, and I'm very happy to see them.”
FIFA Club World Cup Hub
The biggest tournament in the history of global club soccer is just around the corner. This month, Sounders FC will compete in the the FIFA Club World Cup right here in Seattle. Placed in Group B, the Rave Green will face UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid, and reigning South American champions Botafogo at Lumen Field during the group stage.
Sunday’s matchup is expected to be a full circle moment for the seasoned midfielder who made major career strides throughout his time with the Brazilian club. Along with his contributions as a box-to-box midfielder, his proven talent in competitive environments like Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa Libertadores ultimately secured him a Designated Player spot upon signing with the Sounders in 2020.
“There's a lot of good memories from both sides, like with the fans, they like me, they liked the way I played and all my effort,” said João Paulo. “And as a player, I feel the same with the team, because they believed in me at that time, and feel like I could help them in some way, and they helped me as well. So there's a mutual respect involved.”
And while Botafogo has certainly changed since João Paulo’s three-season stint, he’s looking forward not only to reconnecting with his time at the club, but also to the challenge of facing the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions alongside his Seattle teammates.
“Now, they have more structure, more money. They have a really good roster… [And] just won two championships last year, so they have good momentum coming here,” said João Paulo.
“I'm very competitive…Like I said, I have a lot of respect, a lot of love for Botafogo,” he continued, "but when the referee blows the whistle, we're going for the win.”
