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.
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.
