1. Overview
Paulo Roberto Morais Júnior, commonly known as Paulo, was a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward. Born on February 25, 1984, he had a professional career that spanned clubs in his native Brazil, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and South Korea. His career was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015, leading to his early retirement. He passed away on February 2, 2018, after a battle with the illness.
2. Life
Paulo Roberto Morais Júnior's life was marked by his passion for football, which began in his home country before he ventured into international leagues.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Paulo Roberto Morais Júnior was born on February 25, 1984, in Brazil. Details regarding his specific birthplace within Brazil, family background, and early upbringing are not extensively documented in the available records.
2.2. Early Career
Paulo began his football journey in Brazil, playing for clubs such as Baraunas. This period laid the foundation for his professional career, which would later take him to various leagues across the Middle East and Asia.
3. Football Career
Paulo's professional football career saw him play for several clubs across different regions, showcasing his skills as a forward.
3.1. Career in Brazil and Middle East Leagues
After starting his career in Brazil with clubs like Baraunas, Paulo expanded his professional reach to the Middle East. He played for Fujairah SC in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Nahda Club in Oman, and Hidd SCC in the Bahraini Premier League. These stints allowed him to gain diverse experience in different footballing environments.
3.2. K-League Stint
In mid-2012, Paulo joined Incheon United in South Korea's K-League. His K-League registration name was 빠울로PpaulloKorean. He made a memorable debut on July 15, 2012, in a match against FC Seoul. Substituted into the game in the 32nd minute of the second half, Paulo made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. This crucial goal led to a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for his team. However, after this impressive debut, he did not maintain the same level of performance and saw limited playing time. He struggled to secure a regular starting spot, especially after the return of another player, Sokół. Paulo played only four matches during his half-year tenure with Incheon United before departing the club.
4. Health Issues and Death
Paulo's promising football career was tragically cut short due to severe health issues, leading to his retirement and eventual passing.
4.1. Leukemia Diagnosis and Retirement
In 2015, Paulo Roberto Morais Júnior received a devastating diagnosis: he was suffering from leukemia, a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. This serious health condition forced him to make the difficult decision to retire from professional football at an early age, bringing an abrupt end to his playing career.
4.2. Battle and Passing
Following his diagnosis, Paulo embarked on a challenging battle against leukemia. He underwent various treatments, including a bone marrow transplant, holding onto the hope of recovery and even a potential return to the football pitch. Despite his determined fight and the efforts made for his treatment, his condition ultimately deteriorated. Paulo Roberto Morais Júnior passed away on February 2, 2018.
5. Assessment and Memory
Paulo Roberto Morais Júnior is remembered by the football community, particularly for his impactful moments on the field and his courageous battle off it.
5.1. Positive Recollections
Paulo is positively remembered for his contributions, especially during his time in the K-League. His debut for Incheon United on July 15, 2012, stands out as a particularly memorable moment. In that match, he scored a dramatic winning goal in stoppage time against FC Seoul, securing a 3-2 comeback victory for his team. This goal highlighted his potential and left a lasting impression on fans. He is affectionately recalled by some as "Incheon's Paulo," a player whose brief but impactful presence, especially his debut goal, is still thought of, particularly in moments like when it rains.