By Louis Smith.
The stories of Brazilian professional footballers are often ones of travel to new countries and experiences of working in new continents, but one destination that isn’t frequently discussed in such circles is India, which has welcomed several Brazilian players over the years.
India has seen the likes of Elano, Roberto Carlos, André Moritz, Lúcio, Gerson Vieira, Marcelinho, Rafael Coelho, and Diego Maurício ply their trade there.
At the moment, eight Brazilians are playing in the Indian Super League. One of them is forward, Allan Paulista.
Allan Paulista began his career in his native Brazil, where he joined local side Taboão da Serra in 2019.
His journey from there would take him to various clubs in Brazil, but his standout seasons came in 2023 and 2024, when he earned valuable experience.
In 2023, he helped Real Noroeste lift the Campeonato Capixaba for the third time in a row. A key moment in his career.
“It was a special moment, my first title as a professional, with a lot of hard work and emotion involved,” Alan Paulista tells WFi.
“I believe the main factor behind this title was the mentality of the group—we were a team hungry to win, and that’s exactly what we did.”
Following the title, he moved to Iporá for a short stint before making the bold decision to relocate to China ahead of the 2024 season, joining Heilongjiang Ice City.
The decision was driven by his ambition to explore new opportunities and push himself to a higher level. “I wanted new challenges, new markets, and to improve in all areas of my game,” he explains.
In just his second start for the club, the Brazilian netted his first goal in a 1-1 draw with Shanghai Jiading Huilong.
Allan Paulista played 13 times for the Chinese outfit, scoring four times and providing two assists, before he was on the move again. Despite just a short spell in China, it was certainly an eye-opener for the forward.
“Chinese football is very dynamic, with constant offensive and defensive transitions,” he says. “I had to adapt quickly, especially in terms of physicality, to match the game’s intensity.”
Following his spell in China, another opportunity arose — this time in India, a country not traditionally associated with football but one that has seen a growing influence of Brazilian players over the years.
Allan Paulista signed for Hyderabad FC, following in the footsteps of Brazilian stars who had previously made their mark in the country.
“For me, it was about the project and the league itself,” he says about his move to India.
“I was already familiar with the league and knew of other Brazilians who had succeeded here. That gave me confidence to take on the challenge, and I’m happy with the opportunity.”
Adjusting to Indian football was another challenge for Allan Paulista, who had already experienced the fast-paced nature of Chinese football. Comparing the different styles, he notes:
“I believe that, in general, football in Asia is very intense. Here, players can run for 90 minutes at a very high intensity. Brazilian football, on the other hand, is more technical, and I think that’s the biggest difference.”
Beyond the footballing differences, adapting to life in India also came with its unique challenges. The culture, food, and daily life were vastly different from what he had known in Brazil.
Despite this, Allan quickly embraced his environment, acknowledging his club for helping him settle into his new surroundings.
“India has its own particularities — many people everywhere, very spicy food, and the fact that beef is sacred here, which is quite different from Brazil,” he explained. “But I’ve felt very welcomed since I arrived and adapted well. The club helps me in many situations, which makes me feel comfortable to do my job.”
On the pitch, Allan Paulista has made a solid start, scoring four times and providing an assist in 19 matches.
In just his fourth match for the club, he netted a brace in a thumping 4-0 win over Mohammedan away from home.
However, when asked about his most memorable moment so far, Allan pointed to a crucial goal that secured an important result for his team: “I think since my arrival, it was the goal against FC Goa—a last-minute equaliser. It was very emotional for me and an important point for the team in the championship.”
Looking ahead, Allan Paulista is determined to continue his rise in Asian football. At just 25 years old, he is focused on achieving even greater success in the years to come.
“I want to establish myself more and more in Asian football,” he says. “I have personal goals, like becoming a top scorer and winning titles here in Asia. I’m only 25 years old, but I know what I’m capable of achieving, and I have big ambitions for the near future.”