Sounders FC Faces Botafogo in FIFA Club World Cup Opener

Seattle, WA – Sounders FC players are gearing up for a significant milestone as they participate in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. Their first opponent is Botafogo, a moment marked by Seattle midfielder João Paulo‘s return to his former Brazilian team.

On Sunday, June 15, Sounders FC will face Botafogo in the group stage of the tournament at Lumen Field. Paulo expressed excitement about the matchup, stating, “I’m glad to see some familiar faces.” Although he has no former teammates on the current roster, he looks forward to reconnecting with staff and the club.

Before joining Sounders FC, Paulo played three seasons with Botafogo, making 119 appearances and scoring seven goals. His standout moment came in 2017 when he helped guide the team to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, marking their best showing in the competition since 2013.

<p“During my time there, we encountered many challenges, but we put in the effort to make Botafogo competitive,” said Paulo, reflecting on his time with the club.

Sounders FC is competing in Group B against UEFA Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético de Madrid, and reigning South American champions Botafogo this month in Seattle. For Paulo, this match is a culmination of growth as a player.

“There’s a lot of good memories from both sides,” he said. He recognizes the fan support from his time at Botafogo, stating, “They liked the way I played and all my effort.” He emphasizes respect between himself and the club, adding, “They believed in me at that time, and I feel like I could help them.”

Botafogo has undergone changes since his departure, and Paulo appreciates their improved structure and success. “They have a really good roster… and just won two championships last year,” he noted.

As the match approaches, Paulo remains competitive, asserting that his respect for Botafogo will shift once the game begins. “When the referee blows the whistle, we’re going for the win,” he stated.