Paulo Roberto

Paulo Roberto spent his youth years at Fortaleza and Flamengo without breaking into either first team, then moved to Coritiba's academy in September 2024. Within two years he had gone from a promising junior to a standout performer.

The numbers tell the story better than any label could. In the 2026 Série A, Paulo Roberto posted the best direct goal participation rate of any player under 21 in the competition, contributing a goal or assist every 34 minutes on average — two goals and an assist packed into just 104 minutes on the pitch.

He had already shown an eye for goal at youth level, finishing as Coritiba's vice-top scorer in the U-20 category in 2025 with seven goals in 27 matches. Coritiba renewed his contract through the end of 2027, with an option to extend, in September 2026.

He also picked up a first senior honour along the way, winning the Campeonato Paranaense with Coritiba in 2026, though his part in that campaign was limited. At 21, playing as an attacking midfielder, he remains someone whose impact is still measured more in minutes and moments than in a settled starting role.