Concordia Chiajna faced Oțelul Galați in the final match of the Romania Cup play-off at the Concordia stadium in Chiajna. Just minutes before the game commenced, GSP.ro’s reporter spotted FCSB player Joao Paulo, 28, and Florin Cernat, the sports director of FCSB, in the stands.
Joao Paulo attended the match primarily to support his twin brother, Joao Paulino, also 28, who played as a forward for Oțelul Galați. Paulino was officially introduced as a player for Oțelul in June.
Joao Paulo and Florin Cernat Watch the Game Live
This match marked the fifth appearance for Joao Paulino with his current team, although he has yet to score or provide an assist. His debut for Oțelul occurred on July 24, during the second match of the season where he played for 12 minutes in a 2-2 draw against UTA Arad.
He subsequently had short appearances in other matches, including 5 minutes against Dinamo (1-1), 19 minutes in a loss to Petrolul (0-1), and 25 minutes in another draw against Universitatea Craiova (1-1).
Joao Paulino, valued at €200,000 according to Transfermarkt, joined Oțelul Galați as a free agent after his stint with Ordabasy in Kazakhstan, where he made 17 appearances and scored two goals.
He began his career at Sporting Praia in his home country, Cape Verde, and played internationally at the youth level. He later moved to Portugal, where he played officially only in cup matches for Maria da Fonte and Leca.
After a stint at Salgueiros in Portugal without any official appearances, he transferred to Zimbru Chișinău in the summer of 2023, followed by a transfer to Poli Iași, and finally to Ordabasy, before returning to Romanian football with Oțelul Galați.
