Paulo Henrique Chagas De Lima

Ganso began his footballing education at local clubs in Pará before joining the Santos FC youth academy in 2005, where he spent three years refining the creative skills and tactical vision that would lead to his senior debut in 2008.

Ganso began his professional career at Santos, winning the 2011 Copa Libertadores and multiple state titles. In 2012, he moved to São Paulo, where he won the Copa Sudamericana. In 2016, Sevilla secured his signature for approximately €9.5 million. In Spain, he gained valuable European experience before a brief loan at Amiens. In January 2019, he returned to Brazil to join Fluminense, where his career reached new heights of veteran dominance, winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores and the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana.

During the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Ganso has been a consistent presence in the Fluminense midfield. During the current 2026 campaign, he has recording 15 appearances, recorded for his 85% passing accuracy. In May 2026, he featured in several high-stakes matches, including a 66-minute performance in the Libertadores against Independiente Rivadavia on April 16 and a full 84-minute display against Flamengo on April 13. On May 13, 2026, he featured as a substitute in the Copa do Brasil against Operário. He remains under contract with Fluminense until December 31, 2026, with the club and fans viewing him as a legendary figure who defines their modern era.

On the international stage, Ganso has earned 7 caps for Brazil and was a key member of the 2011 Copa América squad. While he has not represented the Seleção in several years, his veteran experience and technical quality have frequently kept him in the conversation as a candidate for mentorship roles. Today, he remains focused on helping Fluminense achieve further success while maintaining his high fitness levels in his 36th year. His career trajectory highlights the successful long-term career of an elite Brazilian playmaker who values technique as the foundation of the game.

By May 2026, he has reached over 500 professional appearances across Brazil, Spain, and France. His market value remains stable, reflecting his status as one of the most respected playmakers in South America. His tactical growth under various managers has seen him become a more complete leader, contributing both in buildup and game organization. He continues to grow as a complete mentor, admired for both his individual focus and his commitment to the team's collective success. He remains entirely focused on achieving one final global success with Fluminense as he enters the final stages of his illustrious career.

Ganso was born and raised in Ananindeua and remains deeply connected to his roots and his family in Pará. He is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality, often credited by his coaches for his exemplary work ethic. He is a devoted husband to Giovanna Costi and a dedicated father to three children, citing his family as his primary motivation for his professional longevity. He has managed the challenges of moving across various clubs and countries with significant maturity.

He currently resides in Rio de Janeiro and has fully embraced the local culture during his seven-year tenure at Fluminense. Off the pitch, Ganso is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian customs and enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends. He is also a brand ambassador for several sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a top-tier athlete. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved proficiency in Spanish and basic French. His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the Fluminense dressing room. He is known for his close relationship with his former strike partner Neymar Jr.

His philanthropic work focuses on providing sporting and educational facilities for children in his hometown and the Rio de Janeiro community. He is involved in several charitable initiatives that support local youth development and healthcare programs in Pará and Rio de Janeiro. His commitment to his family and his professional growth remains the central pillar of his personal narrative. He remains entirely focused on achieving further success as he enters the final stage of the 2026 season. He continues to be a primary influence on the next generation of Brazilian playmakers.