Paulinho officially joins the club’s sporting department

Paulinho is officially beginning a new chapter in his career. After leaving Mirassol, the former Brazilian midfielder joins Cruzeiro to become part of the club’s football department. His duties will notably include acting as a link between the players, coaching staff and management, while also helping prepare for the 2027 season.

A new adventure in management

Aged 38, Paulinho began his transition into management at Mirassol in December 2024, initially as technical coordinator before being promoted to executive director of football in June 2025. His departure from Mirassol was agreed amicably, with no compensation to be paid to the São Paulo-based club. The former player thus leaves a team with which he played a part in a historic period, notably marked by its promotion to Brazil’s top flight.

A former player for Corinthians, Tottenham and FC Barcelona, Paulinho also made 56 appearances for Brazil. He had prepared for his transition even before hanging up his boots, notably by completing training in leadership and football management. At Cruzeiro, his top-level experience will now help strengthen the organisation of the sporting department.

A Cruzeiro focused on 2027

Currently sixth in the Brazilian championship, Cruzeiro still have a chance of qualifying for the next Copa Libertadores. Paulinho’s arrival therefore comes at an important time for the club, which is already preparing the next phase of its sporting project.

The former Brazilian midfielder will thus take on a new role at a club he knows well as a former player, with the aim of putting his experience at the service of the management and the first-team squad.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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