Porto Born in Scionzier, Rhône-Alpes, Paille started out with Sochaux, with whom he played for seven seasons between 1982 and 1989.

He helped the Montbéliard side reach the 1987–88 Coupe de France final, and was voted French Player of the Year at that season's end.

He also earned his eight caps for France between 1986 and 1989, scoring a single goal for les Bleus.

The rest of Paille's playing career was somewhat nomadic: after leaving Sochaux for Montpellier HSC in 1989, whom he joined with close friend Eric Cantona, he spent no more than two seasons at the same club during the next nine years.

He gained his first executive role when he was appointed head coach of Besançon RC but left in 2004.