João Paulo

A versatile Cape Verdean midfielder and left-back who progressed through Portuguese football before establishing himself in Eastern Europe, João Paulo Fernandes has become a key figure for the Blue Sharks since his 2021 international debut.

João Paulo began his career with Tchadense in Cape Verde before moving to Portugal, playing for Sporting Praia, Maria da Fonte, Leça, and Feirense across multiple divisions. His Cape Verdean domestic career included winning the Taça Nacional de Cabo Verde in 2018 with Sporting Praia before his professional breakthrough in Portugal.

In 2023 he joined Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova, competing in the Champions League and Europa League qualifying rounds and winning the Cupa Moldovei in 2024–25. He subsequently moved to Romania with Oțelul Galați before signing for Liga I club FCSB in 2026. Internationally, he debuted for Cape Verde in June 2021 and has since accumulated 42 caps, representing the Blue Sharks at AFCON and during their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.