As the World Cup heats up, Joao Paulino, the twin brother of FCSB midfielder Joao Paulo, is living his best life. The 28-year-old has been following his brother’s footsteps, playing for Oțelul Galați, the same team where Paulo made the switch last season. In 2022-2023, the twins played together for Leca, a second-tier team in Portugal.
For Paulino, it’s a special feeling to have his brother by his side at the World Cup, especially after Cape Verde’s impressive performances against Spain and Uruguay, two former World Cup champions. “It’s something special for me to have my brother there, at the World Cup,” Paulino said in an interview. “Especially considering our team’s exceptional results, including a goalless draw against Spain and a thrilling 2-2 draw with Uruguay.”
Paulino and Paulo have been in close touch, with the latter assuring him that the atmosphere in the team is great, and everyone is looking forward to the next match against Saudi Arabia. Although Paulo didn’t feature against Uruguay, he’s likely to start in the next match. Paulino expressed his pride in his brother and the national team, saying, “I’m proud of Paulo and our national team. And when I think about how we could have even won against Uruguay and qualified for the next round, I’m speechless.”
Paulino’s excitement is contagious, not just among his family and friends but also in the streets of Cape Verde, where people are coming together to watch the matches and cheer on their national team. “I talk to my family and friends back home, and the enthusiasm is at an all-time high,” Paulino said. “In every town, people are gathering to watch the matches together, enjoying themselves together. And now, everyone is filled with hope.”
Family Ties and Football Dreams
The Paulino brothers, Joao Paulo and Joao Paulino, share a love for football that’s been passed down from their family. Their younger brother, Leandro, a 18-year-old footballer, plays for the same club where they started their careers, Sporting Praia. In the past, the twins have even faced each other in the Moldovan championship, where Paulo played for Sheriff Tiraspol and Paulino played for Zimbrul Chișinău.
From Adversaries to Brothers in Arms
Paulino, who has a more attacking profile and can play on any front line position, remembers those matches against his brother. “In Moldova, Paulo won most of the matches where we were opponents,” he said. “Now, I hope to balance the score, even though he’s playing for a stronger team, FCSB.” Paulino believes that Oțelul Galați is a solid team that can compete with anyone and thinks that the Super Liga is an exciting competition where football is played at a high level.
A World Cup Dream Come True
For Paulino, the World Cup is a dream come true, and he hopes to make his mark soon. “I’m looking forward to integrating into the team as quickly as possible and helping my team,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to play for the senior national team and join my brother Paulo in the national team.”
As Paulino’s words echo through the streets of Cape Verde, the nation is united in its hope for a historic World Cup run. Will the Paulino brothers make it happen?