OFFICIAL: Former Barcelona midfielder Paulinho announces retirement

The world of football has lost another player. On this occasion, Paulinho announced on Sunday, through his social profiles, his farewell to football, a sport in which he has had both good and bad moments. The end comes at the age of 36 and after an 18-year career.

"I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and to have won important things, as well as playing in two World Cups and playing for Barcelona. I left a great legacy. In my last game with Corinthians, with 45,000 Corinthians fans, I felt it would be my last game, there would be no better way to say goodbye," said the former player with tears in his eyes.

His last game took place on 29th May - just over three months ago - in the Sudamericana group stage clash between Corinthians and Racing Montevideo. The Brazilian came on after 78 minutes in place of Breno Bidon and played at least 12 minutes to bring his career to a close.

Throughout his football career, Paulinho has played for eight teams: the now non-existent Vilnius (2006-07), Polish side LKS Lodz (Poland), Atletico Bragantino - now RB Bragantino - (2010), Corinthians (2011-13 and 2022-24), Tottenham (2013-2015), Guangzhou Evergrande - now Guangzhou FC - (2015-2017 and 2018-2020), FC Barcelona (2017-18) and Al Ahli (2021, 2021).

In terms of titles, the former midfielder has won a total of 14 titles, with Guangzhou being the club with which he has won the most trophies with 7 (3 Chinese Super League, 2 Chinese Super Cups, 1 Chinese Cup and 1 AFC Champions League). As for the rest, 1 Brasileirao, 1 Libertadores, 1 Club World Cup and 1 Paulista with Corinthians, 1 Confederations Cup with Brazil and 1 Copa del Rey and 1 La Liga with FC Barcelona.

In terms of appearances, Paulinho has played 611 games, scoring 155 goals and providing 42 assists. On his participation in the ‘Selecao’, 26 official matches and 9 goals under his belt.

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