João Paulo will be back for at least one more season after the Seattle Sounders announced they have signed the veteran defensive midfielder to a one-year guaranteed deal with an option in 2026.
“That, for me, was one of the most important signings to be made this offseason,” Sounders GM Craig Waibel told reporters during a teleconference on Wednesday. “I think this character is off the charts. I think what he gives our club on and off the field is remarkable. He wears his heart on his sleeve and he is nothing short of a just an fantastic person and professional.”
Although the full details won’t be revealed until the MLS Players Association releases their salary data in a few months, João Paulo is believed to be back on a significant discount from the nearly $1.5 million he made in guaranteed compensation last year.
Waibel suggested João Paulo likely could have gotten more money elsewhere, but considered it a testament to the Brazilian’s commitment that he’ll be back for a sixth season with the Sounders. Among the more than 40 games already on the Sounders’ schedule will be a Club World Cup match against João Paulo’s former team, Botafogo.
“I’m over the moon to have João stay with our club and he made some sacrifices to do that,” Waibel said. “There are some very difficult choices that have to be made along the way in careers and it is remarkable and another sign of what this club and community means to players that João would make the decision he made.”
The 33-year-old was the starter for significant portions of last season and played in all four playoff games, but he also missed more than a third of the regular season with various ailments. The most significant of those was a hip injury that was called “chronic” at various times.
When he was available, though, João Paulo often looked like a useful player. He still ranked among the league’s elite midfielders in progressive passes, interceptions and shot-creating actions. Most likely, he’ll be asked to be more of a reserve in 2025 with Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan likely being the primary starters in the defensive midfield.
