[1] On 20 February 2011, João Paulo joined South Korean K-League side Gwangju FC on loan from ABC,[2] but signed a permanent deal five months later in July.
On 16 June 2016, João Paulo joined Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv, and was presented to the public alongside two fellow new Brazilian signings.
[9] On 16 October João Paulo continued his goalscoring streak during a 4–3 away win over Beroe Stara Zagora in the regional Thracian Derby.
[15] On 6 January 2017, after several weeks of negotiations, Paulo joined Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad at a reported transfer fee of €150,000.
[17] On 12 March, on day when Botev Plovdiv celebrated 106 years from its foundation, João Paulo scored a goal in a 4–2 away win over FC Vereya.