João Paulo, midfielder for the Seattle Sounders, spoke with Território MLS Brasil about his projections for 2024, Messi, future within the league, and, of course, a lot about the Seattle Sounders.
At 32 years old, João Paulo enters his 5th season playing for the Seattle Sounders, coinciding with the club’s 50th anniversary season. Since 2020 in the United States, João has played 112 games for the Sounders, scoring 8 goals and providing 16 assists for the club.
João Paulo suffered a very serious injury, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee during the final match of the ConcaChampions against Pumas when the Seattle Sounders became continental champions. Nevertheless, João Paulo returned and had a great season in 2023, playing 39 games, the highest number of games in a year since his arrival in the United States. At the end of the season, he was nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year award.
– You had a remarkable recovery in 2023 and were nominated for the “comeback player of the year” award, how was this recovery?
It was a very long year, with all the recovery I had to undergo in 2022 to be able to return in time to play the Club World Cup. So my 2023 started well before January, you know.
I was happy to be among the players selected for the “Comeback Player of the Year,” but that’s just an individual factor that doesn’t define what I seek. I always say that my goals are, first and foremost, with the team. To win games, win titles. Certainly being among those players was important, but always putting the team first.
– How do you assess your 2023 season? And that of the Seattle Sounders?
It was a year of ups and downs. I think we started very well, then had a dip in the middle of the year. I think we also suffered a bit with squad issues, some players who didn’t have replacements or who didn’t maintain the same level as the players we lost due to injury or national team call-ups. Anyway, that’s not an excuse, we know that happens every year. The important thing was that despite this diversity, we managed to finish the year well and ended up in second place in the West.
In the playoffs, I think we started well against Dallas in the three games and then the elimination against Los Angeles, a very tough game, a single game, where we were better, had more opportunities, more possession, control of the game, but at the end of the day what matters are the goals, the ball in the net, they had one chance and were successful on the counterattack. We’ll take that as a learning experience to correct these issues in the next season.
– The Seattle Sounders celebrate 50 years this season, one of the most traditional teams in MLS, no doubt. And you are entering your 5th season with the club. What is your relationship with the Seattle Sounders like?
I am very happy to be here, in this 50-year mark of the club. A very traditional club, indeed, with a lot of strength, always fighting for titles every year.
And our relationship, mine and the Sounders’, I think it’s one of trust. Back when I chose the Sounders to be my first club outside of Brazil and they also chose me to be one of the pillars of the team. So I think it’s reciprocal, a relationship of trust, a very good partnership. I’m very happy here and I hope to maintain this legacy of always fighting for titles every year. It’s a strong, competitive team, and we’re aiming for more achievements.
– You are one of the most experienced players in the squad, and the Sounders recently added some young players. Do you see yourself as one of the team’s leaders? Especially with Brazilians Léo Chu and Nathan?
Yes, I see myself as one of the leaders, not only because of age but also because of behavioral issues. Sometimes leadership doesn’t just come from the older players, but from those who set an example in daily behavior, posture, I think I fit very well into this profile. So, I try to set an example for the younger ones, trying to help with all positioning, tactical issues, and passing on some of my fourteen years of professional experience.
I am the captain of the Brazilian group here, with Léo and Nathan. Heber left and now Nathan joined, we have a very good Brazilian group, we have a healthy camaraderie within the squad, it’s healthy, you know, for us to be well here living outside our country, at the same time, we are close and together to face the challenges.
– The Sounders had a very solid season and reinforced well for 2024, do you believe the team is aiming for titles?
The Sounders’ intention will always be to go for titles every year. I think history shows that, and we’re going after it again. We had a good year in 2023, even with a bitter taste in the end, of not making it to the final. But we saw it was possible. Details, small adjustments that can put us there this year. I think we strengthened, we have some new players who will give us more energy to face a long season and finish strong at the end of the year.
– There has been a significant increase in interest in the MLS in Brazil due to Messi joining the league. Do you believe this growth can help reduce some of the prejudice that exists in Brazil towards the MLS?
Certainly. Messi attracts a lot of attention, not only from Brazil but from the whole world. All leagues today look at the MLS, for those of us who have been living here for a few years already, the growth has been happening long before Messi’s arrival, year after year the league grows, forming players, but today many players leave here for Europe or other leagues.
Messi is the icing on the cake, for sure, we’re talking about the best player in the world, but there are many good things happening within the league and the growth is year after year, and I believe it will continue like this, now with the World Cup coming, well, a lot of things will happen in the country. And football is gaining a lot of space.
– You are entering your last year of contract and after so many years in the league, do you think about returning to Brazilian football in the future?
Regarding the contractual issue, it’s difficult to talk about returning to Brazil. Today, honestly, it’s not my desire. My family is very well adapted here, but we never say never. The contract ends in December, I haven’t had any conversations yet about renewal, so I’ll wait a little longer to start thinking about what will be for the next year, whether it will be to continue here or even with another team in the league, if there is no renewal. Of course, there is also the possibility of returning to Brazil, but today my preference would be to stay within the league.
