Madison, WI, December 10, 2018 — Forward Madison FC has signed 29-year-old Brazilian striker Paulo Júnior, the club announced at a party for fans Monday night. With Madison, Paulo will reunite with Head Coach Daryl Shore, who coached him in 2010 when he was the top goalscorer for Miami FC.

“Daryl Shore is very special, he was part of my football history early in my career when playing at Miami FC,” Paulo said. “Playing for him helped me get to MLS (Major League Soccer).”

Under Shore’s tutelage, Paulo earned a loan move and eventually signed a permanent contract with MLS team Real Salt Lake. He stayed in Utah until 2012, during which time he created a memorable moment by scoring two goals against Mexican giants Cruz Azul in a CONCACAF Champions League game.

“It was unbelievable, knowing where I came from and everything I went through to get there,” said Paulo.

After moving on from Real Salt Lake, Paulo became a veteran of the American game; he’s played for six different American and Canadian clubs. Now, nearly a decade later, he’s coming back to the familiar face that helped make his success possible in the first place.

According to Shore, it’s only right that they’ll be together again.

“When Paulo and I first met, he was a young player that I helped get to MLS,” Shore said. “I’ve followed his career throughout the years and I think it’s only fitting that he and I have come full circle.”

“Daryl’s a great coach who has my admiration and respect,” Paulo said. “It's going to be great to play again for him.”

Paulo’s signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval. Get tickets to see Paulo in Forward Madison FC's inaugural season at https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.