Andres Iniesta reacts as former Barcelona and Brazil star announces retirement from football

Former Barcelona and Corinthians star Paulinho has officially announced his retirement from football, Soccernet.football reports.

The 36-year-old Brazilian midfielder took to social media over the weekend to share an emotional farewell video, where he reflected on his achievements, including his time at FC Barcelona and representing Brazil in two World Cups.

Paulinho expressed his gratitude for the journey, stating, “I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and win important things.”

He also reminisced about his final appearance for Corinthians, saying, “In my last game with Corinthians, with 45 thousand Corinthianos, I felt that it would be my last game, [and that] there would be no better way to say goodbye.”

Paulinho’s footballing journey took him across multiple continents, starting in Brazil with Pao de Açúcar before moving to Europe.

Despite early struggles in Poland due to racism, which almost led him to quit the game, Paulinho found his stride at Corinthians, where he helped the team win the Brazilian Serie A, Copa Libertadores, and Club World Cup in 2012.

His success in South America earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, but it was at Barcelona in 2017 that he truly cemented his place among football’s elite.

Despite initial doubts, Paulinho quickly won over Barça fans with his work rate and attitude, helping the club lift La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Following Paulinho’s retirement announcement, Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta took to Instagram to call Paulinho “great” and a “brother,” adding, “All the best always!”