When Paulinho received his surprise call-up to the Portugal squad, few expected it to lead to serious World Cup consideration. But after injuries sidelined Rafael Leao and Rodrigo Mora, the 33-year-old striker seized his opportunity during recent friendlies against Mexico and the United States—and now he's making a compelling case for a spot on the plane to the 2026 World Cup.
His path back to the national team wasn't obvious. After leaving Sporting CP for Deportivo Toluca in 2024, many assumed his international career was over. Yet his remarkable form in Mexico—61 goals and 13 assists in just 87 appearances—forced manager Roberto Martinez to take notice.
Don't underestimate the Mexican league. Far from a footballing backwater, it's a high-octane, physical environment that demands adaptability. Paulinho hasn't just survived there; he's thrived, earning comparisons to former France star Andre-Pierre Gignac, who similarly reinvented himself in Liga MX.
What makes Paulinho intriguing for Portugal is his evolution as a player. He's no longer a striker who needs the entire attack built around him. Instead, he's become an experienced finisher who can decide games in a single moment—a valuable asset for a team with World Cup ambitions.
Portugal's attack is stacked with talent, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Joao Felix. But none of them quite replicate what Paulinho offers. Some have suggested Martinez sees him as too similar to Ronaldo or Goncalo Ramos, but that comparison no longer holds up. At 41, Ronaldo remains a game-changer, but his physical dominance has waned. Against elite World Cup defenses, Portugal may need a different kind of striker—one who thrives in physical battles and doesn't need the spotlight to deliver.
Meanwhile, Rafael Leao operates best from the left, Pedro Neto stretches defenses wide, and Joao Felix brings flair. Paulinho offers something else entirely: a proven, in-form finisher who has earned his place through sheer production. As the World Cup approaches, he's making a case that's impossible to ignore.