Dynamo midfielder Bitello turns 25 on Tuesday.
Joao Paulo de Souza Mares was born in the small Brazilian town of Formosa do Westi. He started playing football at the Cascavel club, having received the nickname Bitello at that time.
Speaking in the Paraná State Championship, he attracted the attention of Gremio scouts, who first rented him, and then issued a full-fledged buyout. He made his debut in the main team in March 2021, and the following year he became one of the leaders of the team and helped it return to the Brazilian Serie A.
In September 2023, he signed a five-year contract with Dynamo. Since then, he has played 51 matches for the Blue and white and scored 11 goals.