Paulinho earns Portugal call-up after standout form with Toluca

Paulinho, striker of Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club, was officially called up to the Portugal national football team for the March international window, marking his return to the squad after several years.

The call-up comes as a last-minute inclusion by head coach Roberto Martínez, following injuries and absences in the Portuguese squad, including key forward Rafael Leão. The Toluca striker was not initially in the final list but was added later as a replacement.

Paulinho, 33, will rejoin the national team after a five-year absence, having previously made three appearances for Portugal. His return highlights the impact he has made in Liga MX, where he has established himself as one of the most consistent and dangerous forwards.

According to the Portuguese federation, the forward is set to join the squad in Cancún, where Portugal will prepare for its upcoming friendly matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Mexico.

The call-up represents a major opportunity for Paulinho to reinsert himself into the national team setup and strengthen his case for future international competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.