Born in Pouso Alto, João Paulo was a graduate of Fluminense FC's youth system.
In July 2012, João Paulo would make his debut for Náutico in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A at age 21.
In 2021, he joined Associação Desportiva Confiança, appearing in 30 matches for the club in Série B.
After Confiança were relegated, João Paulo joined Paysandu.
This biographical article related to a Brazilian association football defender born in the 1990s is a stub.