Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paulo Fonseca

How Paulo Fonseca built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Paulo Fonseca is a Portuguese professional football manager and former player, who played as a central defender. Currently, he manages Ligue 1 club Lyon. His career primarily focuses on football management after retiring as a player.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: Moved to Primeira Liga with Leça

In 1995, Paulo Fonseca moved to the Primeira Liga with Leça, marking his entry into top-flight football.

2005: Becomes a Manager

In 2005, Paulo Fonseca transitioned into management, marking a new chapter in his career.

2007: Starts Coaching Modest Teams

From 2007, Paulo Fonseca started coaching several modest teams, gaining experience and developing his managerial skills.

2009: Taça de Portugal Quarter-Finals

In 2009-10 season, Fonseca led Pinhalnovense to the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal.

2010: Taça de Portugal Quarter-Finals

In 2010-11 season, Fonseca led Pinhalnovense to the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal.

2011: Appointed at Aves

In 2011-12, Paulo Fonseca was appointed at Aves in division two, marking his first job in the professional league.

2011: Coached Pinhalnovense

Until 2011, Paulo Fonseca coached Pinhalnovense, leading them to the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal in multiple seasons.

May 2012: Signed a Two-Year Contract with Paços de Ferreira

On May 28, 2012, Paulo Fonseca signed a two-year contract with Paços de Ferreira, marking his first season in charge of a top-flight team.

2012: Coached Paços de Ferreira to Third Place

In 2012, Paulo Fonseca coached Paços de Ferreira to their best-ever third-place finish in the Primeira Liga.

June 2013: Joined Porto

On June 10, 2013, Paulo Fonseca joined Porto, succeeding Vítor Pereira.

March 2014: Relieved of duties at Porto

On March 5, 2014, Paulo Fonseca was relieved of his duties at Porto due to poor results.

June 2014: Returned to Paços de Ferreira

On June 11, 2014, Paulo Fonseca returned to Paços de Ferreira for a second spell.

July 2015: Agreed to a contract with Braga

On July 1, 2015, Paulo Fonseca agreed to a two-year contract with Braga.

2015: Won Taça de Portugal with Braga

In 2015, Paulo Fonseca won the Taça de Portugal with Braga.

May 2016: Moved Abroad to Shakhtar Donetsk

On May 31, 2016, Paulo Fonseca moved abroad for the first time, becoming the coach of Shakhtar Donetsk.

2017: Reached Champions League Round of 16

In 2017-18, Fonseca's Shakhtar Donetsk side reached the round of 16 of the Champions League.

June 2019: Appointed Manager of Roma

On June 11, 2019, Paulo Fonseca was appointed manager of Roma.

2020: Mkhitaryan Achieved 13 goals for Roma

In 2020-21, Henrikh Mkhitaryan achieved 13 goals for Roma from that position.

May 2021: Announced Departure from Roma

In May 2021, Paulo Fonseca announced his departure from Roma.

June 2021: Negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur Scrapped

On June 17, 2021, advanced negotiations between Paulo Fonseca and Tottenham Hotspur were scrapped.

June 2022: Joins Lille

In June 2022, Paulo Fonseca joined Lille after his time at Roma.

2023: Lille Finished Fourth

In the 2023-24 campaign, Lille finished fourth.

June 2024: Appointed Head Coach of AC Milan

On June 13, 2024, Paulo Fonseca was appointed as the new head coach of AC Milan.

June 2024: Left Lille by Mutual Consent

On June 5, 2024, Paulo Fonseca left Lille by mutual consent.

December 2024: Dismissed by AC Milan

In December 2024, Paulo Fonseca was dismissed from his position at AC Milan.

January 2025: Returned to French Top Tier with Lyon

On January 31, 2025, Paulo Fonseca returned to the French top tier with Lyon.

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