View source for Paulo Sousa

{{short description|Portuguese football manager and former player (born 1970)}}
{{other people||Paulo Sousa (disambiguation)|Paulo Souza (disambiguation)}}
{{Portuguese name|Carvalho|Sousa}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Paulo Sousa
| image = Football against poverty 2014 - Paulo Sousa (cropped) - 2.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Sousa in 2014
| fullname = Paulo Manuel Carvalho de Sousa<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/jogador/paulo-sousa/12427|title=Paulo Sousa|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|access-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|8|30|df=yes}}<ref name=Bio/>
| birth_place = [[Viseu]], Portugal<ref name=Bio/>
| height = 1.77 m
| position = [[Defensive midfielder]]
| currentclub = [[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Shabab Al Ahli]] (manager)
| youthyears1 = 1984–1986 | youthclubs1 = Repesenses
| youthyears2 = 1986–1989 | youthclubs2 = [[S.L. Benfica (youth)|Benfica]]
| years1 = 1989–1993 | clubs1 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] | caps1 = 86 | goals1 = 1
| years2 = 1993–1994 | clubs2 = [[Sporting CP]] | caps2 = 31 | goals2 = 2
| years3 = 1994–1996 | clubs3 = [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] | caps3 = 54 | goals3 = 1
| years4 = 1996–1997 | clubs4 = [[Borussia Dortmund]] | caps4 = 27 | goals4 = 1
| years5 = 1998–2000 | clubs5 = [[Inter Milan]] | caps5 = 31 | goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2000 | clubs6 = → [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]] (loan) | caps6 = 8 | goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2000–2001 | clubs7 = [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] | caps7 = 10 | goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2002 | clubs8 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] | caps8 = 9 | goals8 = 0
| totalcaps = 256 | totalgoals = 5
| nationalyears1 = 1987 | nationalteam1 = [[Portugal national under-16 football team|Portugal U16]] | nationalcaps1 = 8 | nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1987–1988 | nationalteam2 = [[Portugal national under-18 football team|Portugal U18]] | nationalcaps2 = 4 | nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 1989 | nationalteam3 = [[Portugal national under-20 football team|Portugal U20]] | nationalcaps3 = 2 | nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 1989–1991 | nationalteam4 = [[Portugal national under-21 football team|Portugal U21]] | nationalcaps4 = 9 | nationalgoals4 = 1
| nationalyears5 = 1991–2002 | nationalteam5 = [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] | nationalcaps5 = 51 | nationalgoals5 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2005–2008 | managerclubs1 = [[Portugal national under-16 football team|Portugal U16]]
| manageryears2 = 2008–2009 | managerclubs2 = [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
| manageryears3 = 2009–2010 | managerclubs3 = [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
| manageryears4 = 2010 | managerclubs4 = [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
| manageryears5 = 2011–2013 | managerclubs5 = [[Fehérvár FC|Videoton]]
| manageryears6 = 2013–2014 | managerclubs6 = [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]]
| manageryears7 = 2014–2015 | managerclubs7 = [[FC Basel|Basel]]
| manageryears8 = 2015–2017 | managerclubs8 = [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]]
| manageryears9 = 2017–2018 | managerclubs9 = [[Tianjin Tianhai F.C.|Tianjin Quanjian]]
| manageryears10 = 2019–2020 | managerclubs10 = [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]
| manageryears11 = 2021 | managerclubs11 = [[Poland national football team|Poland]]
| manageryears12 = 2021–2022 | managerclubs12 = [[CR Flamengo|Flamengo]]
| manageryears13 = 2023 | managerclubs13 = [[US Salernitana 1919|Salernitana]]
| manageryears14 = 2024– | managerclubs14 = [[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Shabab Al Ahli]]
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{medal|Country|{{fb|POR}}}}
{{Medal|Comp|[[UEFA European Championship]]}}
{{Medal|B|[[UEFA Euro 2000|2000 Belgium-Netherlands]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA U-20 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1989 FIFA World Youth Championship|1989 Saudi Arabia]]|}}
}}
'''Paulo Manuel Carvalho de Sousa''' {{Post-nominals|list=[[Order of Prince Henry|CvIH]]}} ({{IPA|pt|ˈpawlu ˈsozɐ}}; born 30 August 1970) is a Portuguese [[association football|football]] [[manager (association football)|manager]] and former professional player who played as a [[defensive midfielder]]. He is the current manager of [[UAE Pro League]] club [[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Shabab Al Ahli]].

Starting his career at [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]], he also represented [[Sporting CP]] in his country, where he amassed [[Primeira Liga]] totals of 117 matches and three goals in five years. From there onwards, he competed mainly in Italy and Germany, winning the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] with [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] and [[Borussia Dortmund]] and the [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]] with the latter side. Injuries severely hampered his later career.<ref name=Injuries>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=27604.html|title=Injuries force Paulo Sousa to retire|publisher=UEFA|date=2 July 2002|access-date=10 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604064543/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=27604.html|archive-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>

Sousa was a member of Portugal's "[[Golden generation#Portugal (2000–2006, 2016–present)|Golden Generation]]",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=594430&sec=england&cc=5739&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1|title=QPR happy to gamble on Sousa|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|date=20 November 2008|access-date=20 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023163501/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=594430&sec=england&cc=5739&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1|archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> and appeared with the [[Portugal national football team|national team]] at the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002 World Cup]] and two [[UEFA European Championship|European Championships]]. He took up coaching in the late 2000s, managing clubs in several countries and winning national championships with [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]], [[FC Basel|Basel]] and [[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Shabab Al Ahli]]. He was also in charge of [[Poland national football team|Poland]] at [[UEFA Euro 2020|Euro 2020]].

==Club career==
Born in [[Viseu]], Sousa began playing professionally for [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] and was a starter from an early age. He won the [[Primeira Liga]] championship in [[1990–91 Primeira Divisão|1990–91]], and the [[Taça de Portugal]] two years later.<ref name=QPR>{{cite web|url=http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1459189,00.html|title=Paulo Sousa: In profile|publisher=Queens Park Rangers|date=19 November 2008|access-date=16 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20090209165623/http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1459189,00.html|archive-date=9 February 2009}}</ref> On 10 April 1993, in a league match at [[Boavista F.C.|Boavista]], he was forced to play in goal after [[Neno (footballer, born 1962)|Neno]] was [[Ejection (sports)|sent off]] and his team had no more [[Substitute (association football)|substitutions]] left, in an eventual 3–2 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/incrivel/internacional/de-paulo-sousa-a-maicon-nao-sao-guarda-redes-mas-vao-a-baliza|title=De Paulo Sousa a Maicon: não são guarda-redes, mas vão à baliza|trans-title=From Paulo Sousa to Maicon: they are not keepers, but they go in goal|publisher=Mais Futebol|last=Figueiredo|first=João Tiago|language=pt|date=25 April 2016|access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref>

In the summer of 1993, Sousa signed for [[Lisbon]] neighbours [[Sporting CP]] together with his teammate [[António Pacheco]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/quando-sousa-cintra-levou-paulo-sousa-e-pacheco|title=Quando Sousa Cintra levou Paulo Sousa e Pacheco|trans-title=When Sousa Cintra took Paulo Sousa and Pacheco|newspaper=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|language=pt|date=5 June 2018|access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref> In [[1993–94 Primeira Liga|his only season]], he partnered [[Luís Figo]] and [[Krasimir Balakov]] in midfield and the ''Lions'' did not win any silverware.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ionline.sapo.pt/355070|title=Amerhauser. "Foi o jogo mais fascinante que aquele estádio viu"|trans-title=Amerhauser. "It was the most exciting match that stadium has ever seen"|newspaper=[[i (Portuguese newspaper)|i]]|language=pt|date=6 December 2013|access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref>

Sousa joined [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] in 1994. In his [[1994–95 Serie A|first season]] in [[Turin]] he won the [[Serie A]] title, the [[1994–95 Coppa Italia|domestic cup]] and the [[1995 Supercoppa Italiana|Supercoppa]]; they also [[1994–95 UEFA Cup|finished as runners-up]] in the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]], [[1995 UEFA Cup Final|losing]] to fellow Italian side [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]].<ref name=Injuries/> The following year, he was part of the squad that [[1995–96 UEFA Champions League|conquered]] the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref name=QPR/>

In the 1996 off-season, Sousa moved to Germany with [[Borussia Dortmund]], where he repeated the Champions League triumph [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League|the following campaign]],<ref name=QPR/> which made him only the second player after [[Marcel Desailly]] to win back-to-back titles with different teams;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2014/05/22/4832265/its-history-and-were-still-talking-about-it-paulo-sousa-on|title='It's history and we're still talking about it' – Paulo Sousa on winning the Champions League back-to-back|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|last=Hayward|first=Ben|date=22 May 2014|access-date=14 September 2021}}</ref> [[1997 UEFA Champions League Final|the final]] was against his former club Juventus and, although he appeared in that game, his spell was plagued with injuries, which followed him the remainder of his career.<ref name=Injuries/>

Sousa subsequently returned to Italy to play for [[Inter Milan]], and eventually retired at the age of 31 after a brief loan to Parma,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2000/febbraio/01/Inter_Parma_scambio_Sousa_Serena_ga_0_0002016040.shtml|title=Inter Parma, scambio Sousa Serena|trans-title=Inter Parma, Sousa Serena exchange|newspaper=[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]|last1=Capone|first1=Antonello|last2=Laudisa|first2=Carlo|language=it|date=1 February 2000|access-date=13 April 2013}}</ref> followed by stints at [[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]] and [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]].<ref name=QPR/>

==International career==
A member of the [[Portugal national under-20 football team|Portugal team]] that won the [[1989 FIFA World Youth Championship]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/memorias-de-1989/mundial-sub-20/riade-25-anos-como-foi-e-onde-estao-os-campeoes-do-mundo|title=Riade, 25 anos: como foi e onde estão os campeões|trans-title=Riyadh, 25 anos: how did it go and where are the champions|publisher=Mais Futebol|last=Alvarenga|first=Vítor Hugo|language=pt|date=3 March 2014|access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref> Sousa went on to earn 51 [[Cap (sport)#Association football|caps]] for the [[Portugal national football team|senior side]].<ref name=QPR/> His international debut came on 16 January 1991, in a [[Exhibition game#Association football|friendly]] against [[Spain national football team|Spain]] that ended in a 1–1 draw.<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/portugal/squad/744782.stm|title=Paulo Sousa|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=10 October 2015}}</ref>

Sousa played for his country at [[UEFA Euro 1996]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/the-rising-force-in-europe-counting-on-their-foreign-legion-championship-countdown-no-9-portugal-1334961.html|title=The rising force in Europe counting on their foreign legion; CHAMPIONSHIP COUNTDOWN: No 9 Portugal|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|last=Hodgson|first=Guy|date=1 June 1996|access-date=27 April 2020|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/the-rising-force-in-europe-counting-on-their-foreign-legion-championship-countdown-no-9-portugal-1334961.html|archive-date=25 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/96e-f.html|title=Euro 1996|website=[[RSSSF]]|last=Naskrent|first=Gwidon S.|access-date=10 October 2015}}</ref> and [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]],<ref name=BBC/> and was a squad member at the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], but did not take part in a single match.<ref name=Injuries/> His last appearance came shortly before the latter competition, a 2–0 friendly win over [[China national football team|China]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/portugal/newsid_2011000/2011490.stm|title=Sousa in doubt for first game|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Lyford-Pike|first=Thomas|date=28 May 2002|access-date=10 October 2015}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Sousa was a hard-working, tactically intelligent and versatile player who was effective both offensively and defensively, courtesy of his anticipation and ability to read the game. However, he was not known for his speed. Although he was usually classified as a hard-tackling [[defensive midfielder]], he also possessed excellent vision and control and was often deployed as a [[deep-lying playmaker]] throughout his career due to his passing accuracy, technique and ability to control the tempo of his teams' play; his playing style drew comparisons with [[Paulo Roberto Falcão]] throughout his career.

In addition to his skill and creative abilities, Sousa was also renowned for his leadership.<ref name=BBC/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,33/articleid,0734_01_1994_0096_0035_10041286/|title=Sousa il Cervello per la Juve|trans-title=Sousa the Brain for Juve|newspaper=[[La Stampa]]|last=Ansaldo|first=Marco|language=it|page=33|date=10 April 1994|access-date=10 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1995/05/22/sousa-geometra-del-gol-corro-regola.html|title=Sousa, geometra del goal 'Corro a regola d' arte'|trans-title=Sousa, surveyor of goals 'I run to perfection'|newspaper=[[La Repubblica]]|language=it|date=22 May 1995|access-date=10 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2751456/juventus-can-can-announce-title-intentions-vs-fiorentina|title=Juventus can can announce title intentions with Fiorentina win|publisher=ESPN FC|last=Rzouki|first=Mina|date=11 December 2015|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/watch/news/10705992/rui-costa-picks-his-one2eleven-on-the-fantasy-football-club|title=Rui Costa picks his #One2Eleven on The Fantasy Football Club|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|date=23 December 2012|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref>

==Coaching career==
===Portugal national teams===
Sousa began working as a manager by joining the coaching staff of the Portugal national team, taking the helm of [[Portugal national under-16 football team|the under-16s]], and in the summer of 2008 he was appointed assistant to first-team coach [[Carlos Queiroz]], his former boss at Sporting and the Portuguese youths.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/futebol/detalhe/juventus-quer-paulo-sousa|title=Juventus quer Paulo Sousa|trans-title=Juventus want Paulo Sousa|newspaper=[[Correio da Manhã (Portugal)|Correio da Manhã]]|language=pt|date=28 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref>

===Queens Park Rangers===
On 19 November 2008, Sousa was appointed head coach of [[EFL Championship|Championship]] team [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7736118.stm|title=Sousa is new QPR first team coach|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 November 2009|access-date=18 February 2009}}</ref> However, on 9 April 2009, he was sacked, as the club claimed he had divulged sensitive information without permission from the hierarchy, which included [[Dexter Blackstock]]'s loan move to [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] having been agreed without his knowledge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7993079.stm|title=QPR axe Sousa after just 26 games|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2009|access-date=14 April 2009}}</ref>

===Swansea City===
Following [[Roberto Martínez]]'s move to [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]], Sousa was offered the role as [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] manager on 18 June 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Sousa-named-Swans-manager/article-1089373-detail/article.html|title=Sousa to be named Swans manager|newspaper=[[South Wales Evening Post]]|date=18 June 2009|access-date=18 June 2009}}</ref> He verbally accepted the deal, signing a three-year contract, and was officially appointed on the 23rd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/8112525.stm|title=Swansea unveil new manager Sousa|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 June 2009|access-date=23 June 2009}}</ref>

During the [[2009–10 Football League Championship|league campaign]], Sousa led Swansea to its highest league finish for 27 years (seventh), just outside the play-offs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/Paulo-Sousa-backed-succeed-new-manager-Leicester-City/article-2380935-detail/article.html|title=Paulo Sousa backed to succeed as new manager of Leicester City|publisher=This Is Leicestershire|date=6 July 2010|access-date=6 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711054259/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/Paulo-Sousa-backed-succeed-new-manager-Leicester-City/article-2380935-detail/article.html|archive-date=11 July 2010}}</ref> On 4 July 2010, he departed by mutual consent, set to take the vacant post at [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/8787152.stm|title=Paulo Sousa departs as Swansea City manager|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 July 2010|access-date=5 July 2010}}</ref>

===Leicester City===
[[File:PauloSousa.png|thumb|right|150px|Sousa managing Leicester City in 2010]]
Sousa became the new manager of Leicester City on 7 July 2010. Owner [[Milan Mandarić]] stated that he was delighted to "acquire a manager of such great calibre", adding he was "the right man to take our club forward".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/8793219.stm|title=Paulo Sousa confirmed as Leicester City boss|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 July 2010|access-date=7 July 2010}}</ref>

On 1 October 2010, after less than three months in charge, Sousa was fired after a poor start to [[2010–11 Leicester City F.C. season|the season]], with the team having won only once in his first nine league games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/9051656.stm|title=Leicester City sack manager Paulo Sousa|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 October 2010|access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref>

===Videoton===
On 15 May 2011, Sousa signed a three-year contract with Hungarian club [[Fehérvár FC|Videoton]], [[2010–11 Nemzeti Bajnokság I|newly crowned champions]] of the [[Nemzeti Bajnokság I]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/01f1-0e78680fffa5-bdff88687402-1000--paulo-sousa-appointed-videoton-coach/|title=Paulo Sousa appointed Videoton coach|publisher=UEFA|date=15 May 2011|access-date=21 March 2025}}</ref> He made his competitive debut in the [[2011–12 UEFA Champions League|Champions League qualifying round]] to [[SK Sturm Graz|Sturm Graz]] in a 2–0 away loss,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01f3-0ea287538126-b53694531ce3-1000--sturm-strike-late-to-leave-videoton-facing-uphill-task/|title=Sturm strike late to leave Videoton facing uphill task|publisher=UEFA|last=Schneider|first=Ernst|date=13 July 2011|access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref> followed by an insufficient 3–2 home win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0ea66ac4baf5-a892673a8a15-1000--sturm-go-through-after-stern-test-in-hungary/|title=Sturm go through after stern test in Hungary|publisher=UEFA|last=Watson-Broughton|first=Matthew|date=20 July 2011|access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref>

His team hosted [[Trabzonspor]] in [[2012–13 UEFA Europa League|the season's Europa League last qualifying round]] on 30 August 2012, Sousa's 42nd birthday. After the 4–2 [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] victory (0–0 after 120 minutes), he stated: "The qualification was the most beautiful birthday of my life".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vidi.hu/-a-tovabbjutas-volt-a-legszebb-szuletesnapi-ajandek-|title=Paulo Sousa: "A továbbjutás volt a legszebb születésnapi ajándék"|trans-title=Paulo Sousa: "To go through was the most beautiful birthday present I could get"|publisher=Videoton FC|last=N. Acsai|first=Ferenc|language=hu|date=30 August 2012|access-date=31 August 2012}}</ref>

On 7 January 2013, Videoton announced they had agreed to terminate Sousa's contract due to family reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vidi.hu/paulo-sousa-is-leaving-videoton-fc-as-manager|title=Paulo Sousa is leaving Videoton FC as manager|publisher=Videoton FC|last=Rechnitzer|first=David|date=7 January 2013|access-date=7 January 2013}}</ref> That same day, it was reported that he would become the new manager of the [[New York Red Bulls]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=374945|title=Paulo Sousa abandona Videoton e está a caminho dos EUA|trans-title=Paulo Sousa leaves Videoton and is on his way to the USA|newspaper=[[A Bola]]|language=pt|date=7 January 2013|access-date=7 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109004943/http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=374945|archive-date=9 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> but nothing came of it.

===Five clubs in seven years (2013–2020)===
On 12 June 2013, [[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]] officially appointed Sousa as its head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maccabi-tlv.co.il/en/news/news-articles/paulo-sousa-appointed-as-head-coach/|title=Paulo Sousa appointed as head coach|publisher=Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|date=11 June 2013|access-date=12 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615235324/http://www.maccabi-tlv.co.il/en/news/news-articles/paulo-sousa-appointed-as-head-coach|archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> He won the [[Israeli Premier League]] in his [[2013–14 Israeli Premier League|only season]] in charge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsf.pt/desporto/interior/treinador-paulo-sousa-campeao-em-israel-3842949.html|title=Treinador Paulo Sousa campeão em Israel|trans-title=Coach Paulo Sousa champion in Israel|publisher=[[TSF (radio station)|TSF]]|language=pt|date=3 May 2014|access-date=14 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maccabi-tlv.co.il/en/match/fixtures/|title=Fixtures and results|publisher=Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|access-date=22 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528080111/http://www.maccabi-tlv.co.il/en/match/fixtures/|archive-date=28 May 2014}}</ref>

Sousa changed clubs and countries again on 28 May 2014, signing a three-year contract with [[FC Basel|Basel]] in the [[Swiss Super League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/10044/32285/26/7/7|title=Paulo Sousa wird neuer Cheftrainer beim FC Basel 1893|trans-title=Paulo Sousa is new FC Basel 1893 head coach|publisher=FC Basel|language=de|date=28 May 2014|access-date=6 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140709071752/http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/10044/32285/26/7/7|archive-date=9 July 2014}}</ref> He left on 17 June 2015, having again [[2014–15 Swiss Super League|won the national championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-swiss-basel/soccer-fc-basel-coach-sousa-leaves-after-one-season-idUSL3N0Z35DY20150617|title=Soccer-FC Basel coach Sousa leaves after one season|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=17 June 2015|access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref>

On 21 June 2015, Sousa joined [[Serie A]] side [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/68087/official-sousa-fiorentina-coach|title=Official: Sousa Fiorentina coach|publisher=Football Italia|last=Campanale|first=Susy|date=21 June 2015|access-date=22 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://it.violachannel.tv/vc13-dettaglio-breaking/items/data_21-06-2015_paulo-sousa-nuovo-allenatore-della-fiorentina-do.html|title=Paulo Sousa nuovo allenatore della Fiorentina alle 19.00 la presentazione|trans-title=Paulo Sousa new Fiorentina manager presentation at 19.00|publisher=Viola Channel|language=it|date=21 June 2015|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref> He left in June 2017, after the appointment of [[Stefano Pioli]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/06-06-2017/fiorentina-pioli-nuoco-tecnico-firmato-biennale-200817053096.shtml|title=Fiorentina, Pioli è il nuovo tecnico, ha firmato un biennale|trans-title=Fiorentina, Pioli is the new manager, he signed for two years|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=6 June 2017|access-date=6 June 2017}}</ref>

On 6 November 2017, Sousa signed for [[Tianjin Tianhai F.C.|Tianjin Quanjian]] of the [[Chinese Super League]], replacing [[Fabio Cannavaro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/tianjin-quanjian/story/3261448/fabio-cannavaro-resigns-as-tianjin-quanjian-boss-replaced-by-paulo-sousa|title=Cannavaro quits Tianjin, replaced by Sousa|publisher=[[ESPN]]|last=Church|first=Michael|date=6 November 2017|access-date=7 March 2019}}</ref> On 4 October of the following year, he left his post.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gbtimes.com/paolo-sousa-leaves-job-as-manager-of-chinese-super-league-side-tianjin-quanjian|title={{sic|nolink=y|Paolo}} Sousa leaves job as manager of Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian|publisher=GB Times|last=Houston|first=Craig|date=4 October 2018|access-date=7 March 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504115212/https://gbtimes.com/paolo-sousa-leaves-job-as-manager-of-chinese-super-league-side-tianjin-quanjian|archive-date=4 May 2019}}</ref>

Sousa became [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]'s third coach of [[2018–19 Ligue 1|the campaign]] on 8 March 2019 after [[Gus Poyet]] and [[Ricardo Gomes]], agreeing to a three-and-a-half-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Paulo-sousa-nouvel-entraineur-de-bordeaux-officiel/996548|title=Paulo Sousa nouvel entraîneur de Bordeaux (officiel)|trans-title=Paulo Sousa new manager of Bordeaux (official)|newspaper=[[L'Équipe]]|language=fr|date=8 March 2019|access-date=14 March 2019}}</ref> Having come 12th in his [[2019–20 Ligue 1|only full season]], disputes with the board led to his resignation on 10 August 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/paises/franca/detalhe/paulo-sousa-deixa-mensagem-de-despedida-aos-adeptos-do-bordeus|title=Paulo Sousa deixa mensagem de despedida aos adeptos do Bordéus|trans-title=Paulo Sousa leaves farewell message to Bordeaux fans|newspaper=Record|last=Magalhães|first=Sérgio|language=pt|date=10 August 2020|access-date=14 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/portuguese-abroad/1718-official-paulo-sousa-leaves-sleeping-giant-bordeaux|title=Official: Paulo Sousa leaves "sleeping giant" Bordeaux|publisher=PortuGOAL|last=Gillen|first=Sean|date=11 August 2020|access-date=14 August 2020}}</ref>

===Poland===
On 21 January 2021, [[Polish Football Association]] (PZPN) president [[Zbigniew Boniek]] announced Sousa as the head coach of the [[Poland national football team|Poland national team]]; he replaced [[Jerzy Brzęczek]], who was dismissed despite [[UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying|achieving qualification]] for [[UEFA Euro 2020|Euro 2020]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210121-portugal-s-paulo-sousa-named-new-poland-coach|title=Portugal's Paulo Sousa named new Poland coach|publisher=[[France 24]]|date=21 January 2021|access-date=22 January 2021}}</ref> In his first match in charge, on 25 March, his side drew 3–3 against [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] in the [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2022 World Cup qualification]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvp.info/52904971/dzispoczatek-zgrupowania-kiedy-debiut-paulo-sousy|title=Dziś początek zgrupowania. Kiedy debiut Paulo Sousy?|trans-title=Group begins today. When is Paulo Sousa's debut?|publisher=[[TVP Info]]|language=pl|date=22 March 2021|access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56528388|title=Hungary 3–3 Poland|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 March 2021|access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref> At the former tournament finals, and despite three goals from star forward [[Robert Lewandowski]], they exited in the group stage;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/euro-2020-europe-sweden-poland-soccer-3e40f274dd3b24ffef52852fe2bec8f1|title=Lewandowski, Poland out of Euro 2020 with 3–2 loss to Sweden|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|last=Douglas|first=Steve|date=23 June 2021|access-date=30 June 2021}}</ref> nonetheless, the manager was assured to remain on the job.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7790/Artykul/2761523,Poland-boss-to-stay-despite-Euro-2020-flop-football-chief|title=Poland boss to stay despite Euro 2020 flop: football chief|publisher=[[Radio Poland]]|date=25 June 2021|access-date=9 July 2021}}</ref>

Sousa led Poland to second place in their World Cup qualification group, reaching the play-offs but failing to be seeded after losing the last match to Hungary 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvpworld.com/56940533/football-poland-concludes-world-cup-qualifiers-with-loss-to-hungary|title=Football: Poland concludes World Cup qualifiers with loss to Hungary|publisher=TVP World|date=15 November 2021|access-date=19 November 2021|archive-date=19 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119145034/https://tvpworld.com/56940533/football-poland-concludes-world-cup-qualifiers-with-loss-to-hungary|url-status=dead}}</ref> The loss caused significant financial losses for the PZPN and the manager was criticised for not fielding several key players, including Lewandowski.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sport.onet.pl/pilka-nozna/kadra/baraze-el-ms-wscieklosc-w-pzpn-pozycja-paulo-sousa-ma-problemy/6l0qmbg|title=Gigantyczne straty. Wściekłość w PZPN. Kulisy katastrofy z Węgrami|trans-title=Gigantic losses. Rage in the PZPN. Behind the scenes of the disaster with Hungary|publisher=[[Onet.pl]]|last=Szmigielski|first=Maciej|language=pl|date=17 November 2021|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurosport.tvn24.pl/pilka-nozna,105/eliminacje-mistrzostw-swiata-katar-2022-paulo-sousa-wiedzial-o-co-gra-z-wegrami-pzpn-publikuje-nagranie-pilka-nozna,1085097.html|title=Sousa doskonale wiedział, o co gra. PZPN publikuje nagranie|trans-title=Sousa knew exactly what he was playing. PZPN publishes the recording|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|language=pl|date=18 November 2021|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>

Sousa was allowed to leave on 29 December 2021, after agreeing to pay compensation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211229-portugal-s-paulo-sousa-leaves-poland-to-be-flamengo-coach|title=Portugal's Paulo Sousa leaves Poland to be Flamengo coach|publisher=France 24|date=29 December 2021|access-date=30 December 2021}}</ref> Following his departure, he was heavily criticised by Polish media and fans alike, one of the main accusations residing in the fact that he left to another employer when he was offered a better salary, in spite of having stated he would stay for years previously; because of this, he earned the nickname "Siwy Bajerant" (Grey Smooth Talker).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://weszlo.com/2021/12/26/siwy-bajerant/|title=Siwy bajerant|trans-title=Grey smooth talker|publisher=[[Weszło]]|language=pl|date=26 December 2021|access-date=17 July 2024}}</ref>

===Flamengo===
Hours after leaving the Poland national team, Sousa was announced as the new manager of [[CR Flamengo|Flamengo]] in the [[Campeonato Brasileiro Série A]] on a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flamengo.com.br/noticias/futebol/paulo-sousa-e-o-novo-treinador-do-flamengo|title=Paulo Sousa é o novo treinador do Flamengo|trans-title=Paulo Sousa is the new manager of Flamengo|publisher=CR Flamengo|language=pt|date=29 December 2021|access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Flamengo_en/status/1476283003819147264|title=Paulo Sousa is Mengão's new head coach.|publisher=[[Twitter]]|date=29 December 2021|access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref> Having observed the first two games of the [[Campeonato Carioca]] [[2022 Campeonato Carioca|season]], he won 3–0 at home to [[Boavista Sport Club|Boavista]] on his debut on 2 February 2022;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/paises/brasil/detalhe/flamengo-de-paulo-sousa-regressa-as-vitorias-no-campeonato-carioca|title=Flamengo ganha na estreia de Paulo Sousa no banco|trans-title=Flamengo win on Paulo Sousa's debut on the bench|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=3 February 2022|access-date=13 February 2022}}</ref> his team lost the final 3–1 on aggregate to [[Fla–Flu|rivals]] [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/made-in/brasil/flamengo-de-paulo-sousa-perde-campeonato-carioca-para-o-fluminense|title=Flamengo de Paulo Sousa perde Campeonato Carioca para o Fluminense|trans-title=Paulo Sousa's Flamengo lose the Campeonato Carioca to Fluminense|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=2 April 2022|access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>

Sousa was dismissed on 9 June 2022, after a 1–0 loss to [[Red Bull Bragantino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/2022/06/09/flamengo-oficializa-a-demissao-de-paulo-sousa.ghtml|title=Flamengo oficializa a demissão de Paulo Sousa|trans-title=Flamengo make dismissal of Paulo Sousa official|publisher=[[TV Globo|Globo Esporte]]|language=pt|date=9 June 2022|access-date=9 June 2022}}</ref>

===Salernitana===
On 15 February 2023, Sousa returned to the Italian top division as the new head coach of [[US Salernitana 1919|Salernitana]], replacing [[Davide Nicola]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/paulo-sousa-e-il-nuovo-allenatore-della-salernitana/|title=Paulo Sousa è il nuovo allenatore della Salernitana|trans-title=Paulo Sousa is Salernitana's new manager|publisher=U.S. Salernitana 1919|language=it|date=15 February 2023|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> He achieved a 1–1 draw at neighbours and league leaders [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]] on 30 April, momentarily denying them a first ''[[Scudetto]]'' in 33 years; he was sent off in the final minutes while his team took their unbeaten run to nine games,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-italiano/noticia/2023/05/01/apos-impedir-festa-do-napoli-paulo-sousa-diz-que-salernitana-tem-caminho-contra-o-rebaixamento.ghtml|title=Após impedir festa do Napoli, Paulo Sousa diz que Salernitana tem caminho contra o rebaixamento|trans-title=After preventing Napoli's party, Paulo Sousa says that Salernitana are on the path away from relegation|publisher=Globo Esporte|language=pt|date=1 May 2023|access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref> eventually making it to ten<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abola.pt/nnh/2023-05-04/salernitana-acima-de-paulo-sousa-so-o-manchester-city/986274|title=Acima de Paulo Sousa só o Manchester City|trans-title=Only Manchester City above Paulo Sousa|newspaper=A Bola|language=pt|date=4 May 2023|access-date=7 June 2023}}</ref> and finally [[2022–23 Serie A|avoiding relegation as 15th]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://salernitananews.it/diritti-tv-ai-granata-circa-32-mln-classifica-e-punti-valgono-oltre-3-milioni/|title=Diritti tv, ai granata circa 32 mln. Classifica e punti valgono oltre 3 milioni|trans-title=Tv rights, roughly 32 mln to Garnets. Classification and points worth another 3 million|publisher=Salernitana News|last=Tretola|first=Oreste|language=it|date=6 June 2023|access-date=7 June 2023}}</ref>

On 10 October 2023, following a negative start in [[2023–24 Serie A|the campaign]], Sousa was dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://salernitana.it/news/comunicato-stampa-125/|title=Comunicato stampa|trans-title=Press release|publisher=U.S. Salernitana 1919|language=it|date=10 October 2023|access-date=10 October 2023}}</ref>

===Shabab Al Ahli===
On 30 June 2024, Sousa was appointed at [[UAE Pro League]] club [[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Shabab Al Ahli]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ojogo.pt/7288026028/paulo-sousa-e-o-novo-treinador-do-shabab-al-ahli/|title=Paulo Sousa é o novo treinador do Shabab Al Ahli|trans-title=Paulo Sousa is the new manager of Shabab Al Ahli|newspaper=[[O Jogo]]|language=pt|date=30 June 2024|access-date=14 August 2024}}</ref> He won four titles in his [[2024–25 UAE Pro League|first season]], including the national championship.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/05/10/paulo-sousa-says-shabab-al-ahli-deserve-this-win-after-adding-presidents-cup-to-trophy-collection/|title=Paulo Sousa says Shabab Al Ahli 'deserve this win' after adding President's Cup to trophy collection|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|last=Passela|first=Amith|date=10 May 2025|access-date=11 May 2025}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{ForaDeJogo}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]]||[[1989–90 S.L. Benfica season|1989–90]]||rowspan="4"|[[Primeira Liga]]||2||0||1||0||0||0||3||0
|-
|[[1990–91 S.L. Benfica season|1990–91]]||36||0||3||0||2||0||41||0
|-
|[[1991–92 S.L. Benfica season|1991–92]]||23||1||5||0||3||0||31||1
|-
|[[1992–93 S.L. Benfica season|1992–93]]||25||0||4||1||6||0||35||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!86!!1!!13!!1!!11!!0!!110!!2
|-
|[[Sporting CP]]||[[1993–94 Primeira Divisão|1993–94]]||Primeira Liga||31||2||6||0||6||0||43||2
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Juventus FC|Juventus]]||[[1994–95 Juventus FC season|1994–95]]||rowspan="2"|[[Serie A]]||26||1||6||0||10||0||42||1
|-
|[[1995–96 Juventus FC season|1995–96]]||28||0||0||0||8||1||36||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!54!!1!!6!!0!!18!!1!!78!!2
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Borussia Dortmund]]||[[1996–97 Borussia Dortmund season|1996–97]]||rowspan="2"|[[Bundesliga]]||11||1||0||0||4||0||15||1
|-
|[[1997–98 Borussia Dortmund season|1997–98]]||16||0||2||1||5||0||23||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!27!!1!!2!!1!!9!!0!!38!!2
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Inter Milan]]||[[1997–98 Inter Milan season|1997–98]]||rowspan="3"|Serie A||11||0||0||0||0||0||11||0
|-
|[[1998–99 Inter Milan season|1998–99]]||10||0||4||0||3||0||17||0
|-
|[[1999–2000 Inter Milan season|1999–2000]]||10||0||0||0||0||0||10||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!31!!0!!4!!0!!3!!0!!38!!0
|-
|[[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]] (loan)||[[1999–2000 Parma A.C. season|1999–2000]]||Serie A||8||0||0||0||2||0||10||0
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Panathinaikos F.C.|Panathinaikos]]||[[2000–01 Panathinaikos F.C. season|2000–01]]||rowspan="2"|[[Super League Greece|Alpha Ethniki]]||6||0||3||0||4||1||13||1
|-
|[[2001–02 Panathinaikos F.C. season|2001–02]]||4||0||5||0||7||0||16||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!10!!0!!8!!0!!11!!1!!29!!1
|-
|[[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]||[[2001–02 La Liga|2001–02]]||[[La Liga]]||9||0||0||0||0||0||9||0
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!256!!5!!39!!2!!60!!2!!355!!9
|}

===International===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=19784|title=Paulo Sousa|publisher=European Football|access-date=19 April 2016}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="12"|[[Portugal national football team|Portugal]]
|1991||5||0
|-
|1992||0||0
|-
|1993||8||0
|-
|1994||4||0
|-
|1995||6||0
|-
|1996||5||0
|-
|1997||5||0
|-
|1998||2||0
|-
|1999||8||0
|-
|2000||5||0
|-
|2001||2||0
|-
|2002||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!51!!0
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 25 May 2025}}<ref name=SW>{{Soccerway coach|/paulo-manuel-carvalho-de-sousa/154891}}</ref><ref>{{Soccerbase manager}}</ref>
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From
!rowspan=2|To
!colspan=8|Record
|-
!{{abbr|P|Matches played}}!!{{abbr|W|Matches won}}!!{{abbr|D|Matches drawn}}!!{{abbr|L|Matches lost}}!!{{abbr|GF|Goals for}}!!{{abbr|GA|Goals against}}!!{{abbr|GD|Goal difference}}!!{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
|align=left|19 November 2008
|align=left|9 April 2009
{{WDL|26|7|12|7|for=23|against=24|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
|align=left|23 June 2009
|align=left|4 July 2010
{{WDL|49|18|18|13|for=45|against=41|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
|align=left|7 July 2010
|align=left|1 October 2010
{{WDL|12|4|2|6|for=18|against=27|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Fehérvár FC|Videoton]]
|align=left|1 June 2011
|align=left|7 January 2013
{{WDL|88|52|17|19|for=140|against=63|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.|Maccabi Tel Aviv]]
|align=left|11 June 2013
|align=left|28 May 2014
{{WDL|49|31|10|8|for=91|against=45|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[FC Basel|Basel]]
|align=left|28 May 2014
|align=left|17 June 2015
{{WDL|50|31|8|11|for=112|against=60|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]]
|align=left|21 June 2015
|align=left|6 June 2017
{{WDL|95|43|25|27|for=154|against=121|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Tianjin Tianhai F.C.|Tianjin Quanjian]]
|align=left|6 November 2017
|align=left|5 October 2018
{{WDL|37|13|10|14|for=51|against=58|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]]
|align=left|8 March 2019
|align=left|10 August 2020
{{WDL|42|13|12|17|for=53|against=51|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Poland national football team|Poland]]
|align=left|21 January 2021
|align=left|29 December 2021
{{WDL|15|6|5|4|for=37|against=20|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[CR Flamengo|Flamengo]]
|align=left|29 December 2021
|align=left|9 June 2022
{{WDL|32|19|7|6|for=59|against=29|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[US Salernitana 1919|Salernitana]]
|align=left|15 February 2023
|align=left|10 October 2023
{{WDL|25|5|12|8|for=28|against=40|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Shabab Al Ahli]]
|align=left|30 June 2024
|align=left|present
{{WDL|51|34|13|4|for=114|against=56|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|-
!colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|571|276|151|144|for=925|against=632|diff=yes|decimals=2}}
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Benfica'''
*[[Primeira Liga|Primeira Divisão]]: [[1990–91 Primeira Divisão|1990–91]]<ref name=Eurosport>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/paulo-sousa_prs187527/person.shtml|title=Paulo Sousa|publisher=Eurosport|access-date=30 December 2015}}</ref>
*[[Taça de Portugal]]: [[1992–93 Taça de Portugal|1992–93]]<ref name=Eurosport/>
*[[Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira]]: [[1989 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira|1989]]<ref name=Eurosport/>

[[File:Juventus FC - Champions League 1995-96 - Alessandro Del Piero e Paulo Sousa.jpg|thumb|upright|Sousa (left) and [[Alessandro Del Piero]] celebrate Juventus winning the Champions League in 1996.]]
'''Juventus'''
*[[Serie A]]: [[1994–95 Serie A|1994–95]]<ref name=Eurosport/>
*[[Coppa Italia]]: [[1994–95 Coppa Italia|1994–95]]<ref name=Eurosport/>
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[1995 Supercoppa Italiana|1995]]<ref name=Eurosport/>
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[1995–96 UEFA Champions League|1995–96]]<ref name=Eurosport/>

[[File:BVB Walk of Fame 81-100.jpg|thumb|upright|Sousa's star on Borussia Dortmund's Walk of Fame.]]
'''Borussia Dortmund'''
*[[DFL-Supercup|DFB-Supercup]]: [[1996 DFB-Supercup|1996]]<ref name=Eurosport/>
*UEFA Champions League: [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League|1996–97]]<ref name=Eurosport/>
*[[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]]: [[1997 Intercontinental Cup|1997]]<ref name=Eurosport/>

'''Portugal U20'''
*[[FIFA U-20 World Cup]]: [[1989 FIFA World Youth Championship|1989]]<ref name=Injuries/>

'''Portugal'''
*[[UEFA European Championship]] third place: [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/00e-final.html|title=European Championship 2000 – Full Details Final Tournament|website=RSSSF|last=Winkler|first=Pierre|date=17 January 2004|access-date=30 December 2015}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[Guerin d'Oro]]: 1995<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/italpoy.html|title=Italy – Footballer of the Year|website=RSSSF|last1=Pierrend|first1=José Luis|last2=Di Maggio|first2=Roberto|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref>

===Manager===
'''Videoton'''
*[[Ligakupa]]: [[2011–12 Ligakupa|2011–12]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[Szuperkupa]]: 2011, 2012<ref name=SW/>

'''Maccabi Tel Aviv'''
*[[Israeli Premier League]]: [[2013–14 Israeli Premier League|2013–14]]<ref name=SW/>

'''Basel'''
*[[Swiss Super League]]: [[2014–15 Swiss Super League|2014–15]]<ref name=SW/>

'''Shabab Al-Ahli'''
*[[UAE Pro League]]: [[2024–25 UAE Pro League|2024–25]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[UAE President's Cup]]: [[2024–25 UAE President's Cup|2024–25]]<ref name=SW/>
*[[UAE Super Cup]]: 2024<ref name=SW/>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|title=Os Magníficos: Paulo Sousa, o jogador que redefiniu a função de trinco|trans-title=The Magnificents: Paulo Sousa, the player who redefined the role of a defensive midfielder|last=Lopes|first=Luís|publisher=QuidNovi|date=2008|isbn=978-989-554-502-5|edition=First}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{ForaDeJogo}}
*{{BDFutbol|2199}}
*{{FPF national player|243970}}
*{{NFT player|14056}}
*{{FIFA player|177674}}
*{{Official website|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312225331/http://www.paulomcdsousa.com/it/homepage/}} {{in lang|it|pt}}

{{Shabab Al Ahli Club squad}}
{{UAE Pro League managers}}
{{Navboxes
| title = International tournaments
| list1 = 
{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 1996}}
{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{Portugal squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Poland squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Managerial positions
|list1=
{{Queens Park Rangers F.C. managers}}
{{Swansea City A.F.C. managers}}
{{Leicester City F.C. managers}}
{{MOL Vidi FC managers}}
{{Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C managers}}
{{FC Basel managers}}
{{ACF Fiorentina managers}}
{{Tianjin Tianhai F.C. managers}}
{{FC Girondins de Bordeaux managers}}
{{Clube de Regatas do Flamengo managers}}
{{Shabab Al Ahli FC managers}}
{{Poland national football team managers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sousa, Paulo}}
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