Sreenidi Deccan sign Brazilian striker Paulo Cezar for I-League

Sreenidi Deccan FC have signed Brazilian forward Paulo Cezar ahead of the I-League 2025–26 season. The 32-year-old, who starred in the Bengal Super League and played for Real Kashmir, brings global experience and proven goal-scoring ability to the squad

Hyderabad: Sreenidi Deccan FC have signed Brazilian forward Paulo Cezar ahead of the I-League 2025–26 season, adding significant firepower to their attack for the upcoming campaign.

The 32-year-old centre-forward joins the Deccan Warriors after a prolific spell in Indian football, most recently starring in the Bengal Super League. Cezar brings global experience, having played in top-flight leagues across the world, including stints with Ittihad Alexandria in the Egyptian Premier League and Municipal Grecia in the Costa Rican Primera División.

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Cezar recently spearheaded Howrah Hooghly Warriors to the Bengal Super League Season 1 title, finishing as joint top-scorer with 11 goals. Earlier, he was a key figure for Real Kashmir FC in the I-League 2024–25 season, where he scored eight goals and provided one assist in 18 appearances, proving his ability to deliver consistently in Indian conditions.

Sreenidi Deccan FC’s Chief Football Officer, Fabio Ferreira, said, “We are delighted to bring a striker of Paulo’s calibre to Sreenidi Deccan FC. He has shown his quality not just globally, but also in Indian football with his goal-scoring records at Real Kashmir and his title-winning performance with Howrah Hooghly Warriors. His experience and winning mentality will be invaluable assets to our squad as we prepare for the new season.”

Cezar said he was honoured to join Sreenidi Deccan FC. “It is a club with great ambition and a professional setup. My time in India has been incredible so far, and I am looking for more success. I am eager to meet my new teammates, work hard, and score the goals that will help this club achieve its targets in the I-League,” he said.