Paulo Baier

Paulo Cesar Baier is a professional football player from Brazil who plays as an attacking midfielder. Having started his youth career in 1994, at Esporte Clube Sao Luiz, Baier made his first team debut the very next season, in 1995, with the same club. After one season, he moved to Criciuma Esporte Clube before heading on, in 1997, to Atletico Mineiro. From 1998 to 2001, Baier was a part of Atletico Mineiro, albeit in short spells.

He was sent out on loan, to Botafogo, in 1999 and played every single game for the team. He also went out on loan to Vasco Da Gama, in 1999, before spending 2000 and 2001 with America Futebol Clube. In 2002, he moved to Esporte Clube Pelotas and ended up winning the 2002 Brazilian Second Division title.

He went back to Criciuma and was one of the first names on the team sheet, scoring 9 goals in about 30 or so appearances. Baier was becoming quite a prolific goalscorer and when he joined Goias Esporte Clube, in 2004-05, he went on to become the top scorer (for 2005) in the state league championships. Baier ended up scoring 22 goals in his 62 appearances for the team.

Moving onto Palmeiras in 2005, Baier spent two seasons and was struggling to become a part of the first team. Although a regular player with the first team squad, Baier made more cup appearances than playing every weekend in the league. 31 appearances over two seasons, with 10 goals, wasn't enough to keep Baier happy and he moved back to Goias where he made his mark. Another couple of fantastic league seasons saw Baier score 27 goals over 60 games, even better than his last stint with the team. However, he was on his way out again, at the end of 2008, signing up with Sport Clube do Recife in 2009.

After just one game for the team, Baier knew that he would have to move to another club to find a regular starting spot - and he did! Baier signed with Atletico Paranaense in 2009 and has, since then, become a regular member of the starting line-up with 61 appearances and 18 goals for the team so far.