He represented Criciúma, where he started his career, between 1976 and 1982, América-SP in 1983, Bangu in 1984, POSCO Atoms of South Korea in 1985 and 1986 (League 28 matches-9 goals / League Cup 12 matches-3 goals), then returned to Bangu AC in 1987, signed with Botafogo in 1988, and left the club in 1990, In 1991, he played for Internacional, moving to Toyota Motor FC of Japan in the same year, staying in the Japanese club until 1992.
In 1993, Paulinho Criciúma signed with the United States club Los Angeles Salsa which played in the American Professional Soccer League.
In 1994, he tied teammate Paul Wright for the points lead, but finished second on the goals list.
The Salsa folded at the end of the 1994 season and he moved north to the Montreal Impact of Canada.
Paulinho Criciúma won the Korean Super League in 1986, representing POSCO Atoms, the Campeonato Carioca in 1989 and in 1990 with Botafogo, and the Konica Cup in 1991, with Toyota Motor FC.