Paulo Gali

Paulo Domingos Gali da Costa Freitas (born 31 December 2004) is a Timorese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Super League club Madura United, on loan from Persebaya Surabaya and the Timor-Leste national team. Nicknamed The Eternal Wonderkid, he is a player with the longest youth career, debuting for the national team at the age of 13.

Club career On 2 June 2023, Gali joined Indonesian club PSIS Semarang, signing a one season contract. On 3 July 2023, he scored a goal in his debut against Bhayangkara at the Jatidiri Stadium, Semarang.

On 12 February 2024, his contract was extended for two seasons, until 2026.

International career On 1 September 2018, Gali made his debut for the senior team in a 2018 AFF Championship qualification game against Brunei in the first-leg in a 3–1 win. On 27 January 2022, Gali scored his debut goal for the senior team in a friendly match against Indonesia.

Controversy In 2019 Timor Leste's under 15 team for the 2019 AFF U-15 Championship were accused of fielding overage players at the tournament, with team captain Gali Freitas being one of the prominent players accused of being over age with claims that he was at least 22 years old at the time. These protests led to a formal investigation by the ASEAN Football Federation into the incident. The protests however were later dismissed with Gali being deemed to be eligible to participate in the tournament.

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals

2023–24 International senior goals

+ List of international goals scored by Gali Freitas No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 27 January 2022 Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar Regency, Indonesia 1–0 1–4 Friendly 2. 8 October 2024 Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei 1–0 1–0 2024 ASEAN Championship qualification 3. 9 October 2025 Territory Rugby League Stadium, Darwin, Australia 1–2 1–4 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification

Honours Lalenok United Copa FFTL: 2020

Individual AFF U-16 Youth Championship top scorer: 2019 (7 goals)