João Paulo Mior

Seattle Sounders FC

On 31 January 2020, João Paulo was signed on loan by Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer to a Designated Player contract. in the second leg, he scored Seattle's second goal in another 2–2 draw and converted his penalty in the shootout, but the Sounders were unable to advance. In his first MLS season with the club, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, João Paulo made 19 appearances, including 17 starts, scoring two goals and recording five assists as a deep-lying playmaker.

His loan was made permanent by Seattle on 21 January 2021. João Paulo scored the club's first goal of the 2021 season, a volley from outside the penalty area against Minnesota United FC, which was voted MLS Goal of the Week. He played 31 matches for the Sounders during the regular season and scored three total goals, including another Goal of the Week winner in October against the Colorado Rapids. João Paulo was named to the five-candidate shortlist for the Landon Donovan MVP Award for his 11 assists and defensive performances, which helped the Sounders qualify for the playoffs despite a depleted roster. He played through Seattle's run to the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Final, where he started in both legs as the Sounders won their first continental title. João Paulo left the final's second leg in the first half with an anterior cruciate ligament tear that left him unable to play for the rest of the year. His role in midfield was initially replaced with 16-year-old youth product Obed Vargas, who he had mentored, but Vargas suffered a back injury a month later. The lack of available defensive midfielders on the team was a factor in Seattle missing the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in their history.

On 16 November 2025, João Paulo announced that he would leave the club and enter free agency. He played 119 matches across all competitions for the Sounders and scored six goals. On 21 January 2026, João Paulo announced his retirement on Instagram.

Coaching career

On 2 February 2026, the Tacoma Defiance announced João Paulo as an assistant coach for the team, which serves as the reserve side for the Sounders and plays in MLS Next Pro.

Career statistics

Personal life

João Paulo has been a fan of American football since his childhood and supports the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Honours Internacional Recopa Sudamericana: 2011

Santa Cruz Campeonato Pernambucano: 2015, 2016 Copa do Nordeste: 2016

Botafogo Campeonato Carioca: 2018

Seattle Sounders FC CONCACAF Champions League: 2022

Individual MLS All-Star: 2021 MLS Best XI: 2021