Paulo César

Paulo César is a striker of Santa Cruz. He was born on 5 January 1980 in São Luís, Brazil.

In 1999 César began his career in professional football signing for Vila Nova. During the season the striker made several appearances but it was like a warm-up before his future career. In 2000 César joined Gil Vicente where he scored 8 goals in 29 matches for a year.

In 2001 Paulo penned a contract with Vitória de Guimarães where he spent one year and a half. During this period the Brazilian striker made rare starts taking part in 16 games.

In January 2003 César sealed a deal with Grêmio Inhumense, however his prospects were vague because of the high level of competition: 2-3 players aspired to each position. In the summer 2003 the footballer was offered to join Rio Ave which he did without hesitations signing an agreement with his new outfit. During his two-year spell César got the chance to unlock his potential in 47 games scoring 8 goals.

Despite the fact that Paulo scored not many goals during two seasons he prompted interest from União de Leiria. This club competed in the Portuguese championship so the footballer could easily adjust to the new conditions – the Spanish-speaking country helped him. In the summer 2005 César signed a contract with União de Leiria which ran until 2008. During this time the Brazilian became the key attacking player kicking 16 goals in 86 matches for this Portuguese side. At the end of 2012 he was released from Braga and joined a Brazilian side Santa Cruz.

In 2008 César made a move to Braga where he continues to play until now. In the 2010/11 season, he made a total of 40 official games for the club, including six in the UEFA Europa League where Braga finished as a runner-up.