Paulo Soares

Paulo Soares (born 1 December 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Bulgarian Second Professional Football League club Dobrudzha. Born in the United States, he is a Cape Verde international.

Early life
Born in the United States, Soares returned to Cape Verde as a child with his family, before returning again to the United States, where he captained the soccer team at Quincy High School in Quincy, Massachusetts. In Cape Verde, Soares had been scouted by Italian and Portuguese teams but his family prioritized his education, thus the decision to send him back to the United States instead.

College career
Soares played college soccer for the Quinnipiac Bobcats and made the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) All-Rookie team. During the 2021 season, he made the All-MAAC team and the MAAC All-Academic team. He also captained the Quinnipiac Bobcats.

Club career
Before the 2022 season, Soares signed for American side Rochester New York FC.

On 13 January 2024, Soares joined Bulgarian second division club Dobrudzha.

International career
Soares played for the Cape Verde national under-15, under-16, and under-19 teams, and has captained the national under-19 team. He debuted for Cape Verde during a 1–0 loss to Ecuador.

Style of play
Soares can operate as a center midfielder and a defensive midfielder and is known for his work ethic.

Personal life
His father is a civil engineer.