SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that midfielder João Paulo has undergone successful right ACL reconstruction surgery. The procedure was performed by Dr. Bert Mandelbaum on Wednesday, May 25 in Santa Monica, California. João Paulo began rehabilitation immediately following the procedure. The Brazilian suffered a torn right ACL on Wednesday, May 4 in the second leg of the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Final vs. Pumas UNAM.
João Paulo made 13 appearances across all competitions in 2022 prior to his injury, helping Sounders FC become the first MLS team to capture the SCCL trophy. He is coming off a 2021 season in which he was a finalist for Landon Donovan MLS MVP, on top of earning MLS Best XI honors and starting in the 2021 MLS All-Star Game. João Paulo has six goals and 17 assists in MLS regular season play since joining Sounders FC from Brazilian side Botafogo prior to the 2020 season.
