Paulo Henrique Ganso

Santos

Ganso was brought to Tuna Luso after being discovered by former Brazil international Giovanni, and at 15 years of age he joined Paysandu. He was signed by Santos in 2005. In 2007, after an injury that sidelined him for six months, Ganso played in and won the final of the U-20 Campeonato Paulista. He wore the number 10 jersey in Santos' campaign in the Copa São Paulo of 2008, where his team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Sport Club Internacional. He won the 2010 Campeonato Paulista with Santos on 2 May 2010, defeating Santo André in the final. In August 2010, it was reported that Ganso would have surgery on his injured left knee and would be out for six months. In October 2010, Santos offered "agent company" DIS Group (subsidiary of Sonda Group, a Brazil supermarket chain; the D stands for Sonda president Delcir Sonda) to buy 70% image rights of the player, but the group did not accept the offer. He had a contract which would last until 28 February 2015 with a termination fee of €50 million. Group DIS reportedly owned 45% of the sporting rights of Ganso (which made the group eligible to receive a 45% transfer fee from Santos) after the court ruled in their favour.

São Paulo

On 20 September 2012, after a hard period of negotiation, it was confirmed by São Paulo that Ganso had signed a five-year contract, for a R$23.940 million transfer fee. Ganso would wear the number 8, previously used by Fabrício. After getting back in great shape, Ganso was…

In 2009, he was called up to play for Brazil in the World Under-20 Championships. In early 2010, the Brazilian media began calling for Brazil national team coach Dunga to choose Ganso for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, primarily as a substitute for Kaká, because of their similar styles of play. On 11 May 2010, he was named as one of seven backup players for the 23-man 2010 FIFA World Cup Brazil squad. On 26 July 2010, he was called up by the new coach Mano Menezes to the Brazil national football team for a friendly match against United States. In the game on 10 August, he made his senior debut, where one of his shots hit the post. He was named in Menezes' 23-man 2011 Copa América squad and was given the number 10 shirt. During their second group game against Paraguay, on 9 July, Ganso assisted Jádson's goal as well as a last-minute equalising goal from Fred to draw the game 2–2. Brazil were later eliminated by Paraguay in the quarter-finals of the tournament, following a penalty shoot-out. Ganso took part in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where Brazil achieved a silver medal. Following injuries to Douglas Costa and Kaká, Ganso was called up to Brazil's Copa América Centenario squad as a replacement by Dunga, and was named in the 23-man final list, being given the number 7 shirt.

Ganso plays anywhere in midfield. He has been regarded as an elegant offensive left-footed playmaker, with critics praising his dribbling skills and ball control, as well as his ability in providing defensive assists for teammates. He is also known to be able to perform a powerful and accurate shot from distance. Regarded as highly promising prospect in his youth, his efficient rather than flamboyant playing style initially drew comparisons with compatriot Kaká; despite his talent, however, he has been criticised by some in the media in recent years for his lack of pace, mobility, and dynamism, as well as his poor work-rate and lack of consistency, which has led him to be accused of not living up to his potential. He is also known to be injury–prone. Ganso has been a fundamental presence in midfield for both Santos and São Paulo, due to the enormous quality of his passes. After being a potential favorite name to wear the number 10 shirt for Brazil in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Ganso was not called up for the tournament by Dunga, the nation's national football coach at the time, as the number 10 shirt went to Kaká. After suffering recurring injuries and a decrease in form and match fitness, he subsequently lost his place in the Brazilian team, in favour of Oscar, due to his performances with his club at the time, Chelsea. In 2012, Ganso refound his form and put on a notable performance in the derby against Corinthians, helping his team to a 3–1 victory, and, in 2013, he shone…

Club

As of match played 12 May 2026

International

As of match played on 17 June 2018