Fresh off a 2021 MLS Best XI nod, the Seattle Sounders do-everything midfielder is ready for more. Since signing ahead of the 2020 MLS season, let’s take a look back at his five most memorable moments.
NOTE: These are in chronological order.
2020 Concacaf Champions League at C.D. Olimpia
It took João Paulo all of six minutes to score in his club debut when he headed home a cross from Jordan Morris against Honduras’ C.D. Olimpia. The tally set the tone for what would be a dominant first two years in Seattle.
October 2020 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
João Paulo showed off his superior ball-striking ability in pivotal 3-1 win over the rival Vancouver Whitecaps. Less than a minute after halftime, the Brazilian secured a clearance and lined up a seeing-eye strike to the far corner to open the scoring.
April 2021 vs. Minnesota United
João Paulo kicked off the 2021 MLS season with a literal bang when he unleashed what would become a Goal of the Year candidate. He cushioned a clearance and then volleyed home a strike from 25 yards out, the first goal in a 4-0 Sounders rout.
October 2021 vs. Colorado Rapids
In the first bit of brilliance in this match, João Paulo made the deftest of touches to slip a pass through to an onrushing Jimmy Medranda. The ingenuity from João Paulo led to an assist — one of his 11 on the season — when Medranda fired home a one-timed shot.
October 2021 vs. Colorado Rapids
Just 25 minutes after his assist, João Paulo produced one of the best and most iconic goals in club history when he weaved through the Rapids defense on a half-field solo run. The tally was his second MLS Goal of the Year candidate and capped off a thorough 3-0 win.
