Patrick de Paula: "Wasn't ready" for Botafogo, eyes Portugal comeback | OneFootball

Midfielder Patrick de Paula, 26 years old, recalled his time at Botafogo and made a self-critique about his period at the club. The player, who came up through Palmeiras, admitted that he was not "ready" to wear the Glorioso shirt and is now looking to turn things around at Estoril Praia, in Portugal.

  See this photo on Instagram   A post shared by PK (@patrick.dpaula99)

Remembering his time at Botafogo

A product of Palmeiras, Patrick de Paula emerged in 2020 as one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football. After winning important titles with Alviverde, the midfielder’s performance declined and he ended up being transferred to Botafogo.

He was the first signing of the club’s SAF, acquired for around six million euros (R$ 33 million) — the biggest deal in Glorioso’s history up to that point. However, the player was unable to meet expectations.

Despite being part of the squad that won the Brasileirão and the 2024 Libertadores, Patrick did not perform well. In three years at Botafogo, he played only 58 matches and scored six goals, losing his place in the starting lineup in his very first season.

A new beginning in Portugal

In July 2025, Botafogo announced the loan of Patrick de Paula to Estoril Praia, in Portugal. The player sees this new experience as an opportunity to restart his career.

So far, Patrick has played in seven of the eight matches of the Portuguese Championship. Estoril Praia is in 16th place, with six points earned.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.