Portuguese striker Paulinho, who has been a key player in the recent history of Atlético de Madrid, celebrated his career with the “Dragão de Ouro” of FCPorto, an award given to him by its eternal president, JoséPintodaCosta. The award, received during the break in the season, reminds Paulinho of the moment when, at the age of 18, Sporting Lisbon tried to sell him to Acadómica de Coimbra, but the Porto president believed in his potential and offered him a future at the Portuguese club. "Paulinho, they don't want you there. At Futebol Clube do Porto it will be you and ten others," PintodaCosta told him, a phrase that marked the beginning of a career that would lead him to become UEFA Champions League champion in Vienna and, later, to sign with Atlético de Madrid.
The forward, who has been one of the club's top scorers, remembers with nostalgia Manchester United's visit to the city in 1991, when the team led by AlexFerguson arrived as champions of the Cup Winners' Cup. Paulinho narrated how the English team, with figures such as PeterSchmeichel, PaulRobson and MarkHughes, was received with skepticism by some British media, but coach LuisAragones knew how to turn that disdain into motivation. In the 33rd minute of the match, Paulinho scored his first goal with a play that left Schmeichel on the ground, and in the 88th minute he scored the second, before ManoloPichichi sealed the 3‑0 at the Sueños del Manzanares stadium.
Porto's recognition also serves as a reminder of Paulinho's career at Atlético, where he has scored more than 200 goals and has been the protagonist in several memorable victories, including the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid and the recent 2-1 in Vitoria. The striker, who will celebrate his 40th birthday next year, publicly thanked president PintodaCosta for believing in him when he was an unknown young man from Montijo, and expressed his gratitude to the club's fans, whom he considers the best fans in the world.
With the title of “Dragão de Ouro” under his belt, Paulinho is preparing to continue leading Atlético in the next season, trusting in coach CholoSanchón and his teammates. The club, which remains at the top of the league table, hopes that the striker will continue his scoring streak and help the team consolidate its position in European competition. Paulinho's story, marked by the faith of a president and the passion of a fan, continues to inspire Atlético de Madrid fans, who look forward to the next matches at the Metropolitano.