Cruzeiro has made a high-profile appointment by officially installing a former Barcelona star in a director role.
Having built a multi-titled career at the highest levels of international and domestic football—including silverware-laden stints in Spain, England, and Brazil—the retired star has seamlessly transitioned into executive sports management.
Following a successful tenure developing administrative expertise at Mirassol, the former international figure has now made the step up to one of South America’s traditional powerhouses.
The former FC Barcelona and Brazil standout joining Cruzeiro’s front office is 38-year-old Paulinho, as per the official Cruzeiro statement.
Having officially retired from professional football before stepping into executive and technical coordinator roles at Mirassol, the multi-titled former midfielder has officially arrived at Toca da Raposa.
His arrival marks a strategic hire by Cruzeiro’s board, which aims to leverage Paulinho’s extensive dressing-room authority and international experience to elevate the club’s sporting structure.
In his new role, Paulinho will serve as a vital link connecting the first-team squad, head coach, and upper management, while actively steering long-term roster construction and planning.
During his playing career in Catalonia, Paulinho earned high praise for his tactical discipline and goal-scoring ability from deep during the 2017–18 La Liga-winning campaign with Barcelona.
His transition into management has drawn similar acclaim, making his recruitment a landmark administrative move for the Belo Horizonte side.
Cruzeiro fans, known as the Nação Azul, have warmly welcomed the decorated ex-midfielder as he embarks on this latest chapter wearing the Estrelada colors.
With the club focused on competing at the highest levels across domestic and continental competitions, Paulinho’s arrival gives the Raposa board a trusted, elite-level football mind to ensure seamless execution between pitch performance and executive strategy.
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