Paulinho (footballer, born July 1988)
A Brazilian midfield dynamo who rose from obscurity to conquer China, then starred for Barcelona in a career that defied conventional trajectories.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: July 25·Millennials
Biography
Paulinho's path to the summit of world football was unconventional and fueled by a powerful, box-to-box style. Unlike many Brazilian stars, he made his name not in Europe initially, but in Poland and later, decisively, in China with Guangzhou Evergrande. There, under manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, he became the engine of a continental powerhouse, winning trophies and showcasing a rare knack for timely goals from midfield. This form earned him a stunning move to Barcelona in 2017, where he silenced skeptics by fitting seamlessly into their midfield, contributing crucial goals and proving his technical quality belonged on that stage. After a return to China and a final stint in Saudi Arabia, his career came full circle, a testament to a player whose physicality, intelligence, and scoring touch made him a unique and valuable asset wherever he played.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Paulinho was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paulinho Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Paulinho's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the AFC Champions League and multiple Chinese Super League titles with Guangzhou Evergrande.
- Scored a decisive hat-trick for Brazil in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
- Won La Liga and the Copa del Rey with FC Barcelona in the 2017-2018 season.
- Earned over 50 caps for the Brazilian national team, including appearances in two World Cups.
Did You Know?
He played futsal professionally in Lithuania early in his career before switching to football.
His full name is José Paulo Bezerra Maciel Júnior.
He had two separate, highly successful spells with the Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande.
“My game is about power, arriving late in the box to finish the play.”
