Portuguese striker Paulinho elected ‘Player of the Year’ in Mexico | OneFootball

A little over a year since moving to Mexican football, veteran Portuguese striker Paulinho has capped a sensational 12 months by being named ‘Player of the Year’ in Liga MX.

Paulinho left Sporting for Toluca in a deal worth around €8m last June, initially working under countryman Renato Paiva. Now, 39 matches and 27 goals later, Paulinho had been recognised for his part in leading Toluca to the Clausura Championship in May.

Paulinho was the top scorer in both the Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing) championships, but while Toluca fell to América 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter finals of the Apertura, costing Paiva his job, they were successful in the Clausura, this time overcoming América 2-0 across two legs.

“Hell celebrates, football applauds.” began a statement by Liga MX, referring to Toluca’s Estadio Nemesio Díez, which is known amongst fans as ‘El infierno’ in coordination with their ‘Red Devils’ nickname. “Paulinho not only made goals, he made the difference,” it continued. “The Portuguese forward for the Red Devils of Toluca was elected the Best Player of the 2024/25 season.”

"A year ago, I thought I was crazy to come and play in Mexico, now I realize it was the best decision of my life,” Paulinho said on the field in May after clinching the Clausura title. “The fans deserve the championship more than we do.”

Toluca’s gamble has also paid off immeasurably. The decision to issue a three-year contract to the 31-year-old was deemed a risk, given the substantial transfer fee and salary, considering the perception that Europeans often struggle to adapt to Mexican football. Instead, Paulinho has confirmed his status at the most lethal goalscorer in the country, while he even drew praise for sportsmanship in April when insisting a referee overturn an opponent’s red card.

Toluca begin the new season at the weekend, hosting Necaxa at Estadio Nemesio Díez on Saturday evening.