Paulo Fonseca

Born in Nampula, Portuguese Mozambique to a military father, Fonseca was a year old when his family relocated to Barreiro following the Carnation Revolution.{{cite news|url=https://www.jn.pt/pessoas/e-magnifico-o-que-tenho-estado-a-viver-conta-paulo-fonseca--3432305.html|title="É magnífico o que tenho estado a viver", conta Paulo Fonseca|trans-title="What I've been experiencing has been fantastic", tells Paulo Fonseca|newspaper=Jornal de Notícias|first=Sara|last=Oliveira|language=pt|date=21 September 2013|access-date=18 June 2021}} He played 14 years as a senior, beginning with his adopted hometown's Barreirense in the third division and moving straight to the Primeira Liga with Leça in the 1995–96 season, starting in 21 of his league appearances as the club finished 14th and narrowly avoided relegation. In the following five years he continued in the latter competition, being first choice with Belenenses and Marítimo but only a backup with Vitória de Guimarães and Estrela da Amadora.{{cite web|url=http://gloriasdopassado.blogspot.pt/2007/10/fonseca.html|title=Fonseca|publisher=Glórias do Passado|language=pt|date=22 October 2007|access-date=31 July 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://antoniotadeia.com/f80/312/|title=Antes de ganhar o segundo nome, que é apanágio dos treinadores, Paulo era só o Fonseca, defesa central forte no jogo aéreo, mas a quem faltaram sempre alguma velocidade e mais oportunidades mas sobraram as lesões.|trans-title=Before earning a surname, which is second nature to coaches, Paulo was just Fonseca, stopper with strong aerial ability, but who always lacked some speed and more opportunities but had injuries to spare.|publisher=António Tadeia|language=pt|date=5 March 2018|access-date=8 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509075658/http://antoniotadeia.com/f80/312/}}

Fonseca retired in June 2005 at the age of 32 after a further four campaigns with Estrela, three of those spent in the Segunda Liga. In the 2003–04 campaign he participated in 15 games as the Lisbon side ranked last in the top tier, with the subsequent relegation.

Fonseca started coaching immediately after retiring, remaining two years at the helm of Estrela da Amadora's youths. From 2007 to 2011 he was in charge of several modest teams, notably Pinhalnovense which he led to the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal in both the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons.{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/um-mar-de-emocoes-no-regresso-dos-herois-588847|title=Um mar de emoções no regresso dos heróis|trans-title=Sea of emotions in return of heroes|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=13 December 2010|access-date=4 May 2021}}{{cite news|url=http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Desporto/Interior.aspx?content_id=3264768|title=A carreira de Paulo Fonseca|trans-title=The career of Paulo Fonseca|newspaper=Jornal de Notícias|language=pt|date=10 June 2013|access-date=31 July 2013}}

In 2011–12, Fonseca was appointed at Aves in division two for his first job in the professionals,{{cite news|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/aves/detalhe/paulo-fonseca-e-o-novo-treinador-701283.html|title=Paulo Fonseca é o novo treinador|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca is the new manager|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=7 June 2011|access-date=24 April 2018}} and he led the team to the third position, just two points shy of promotion.{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/p-ferreira-paulo-fonseca-negociado-para-render-calisto|title=P. Ferreira: Paulo Fonseca negociado para render Calisto|trans-title=P. Ferreira: Paulo Fonseca in negotiations to take over from Calisto|publisher=Mais Futebol|first1=Francisco|last1=Frederico|first2=Sérgio|last2=Pereira|language=pt|date=14 May 2012|access-date=28 March 2022}}

In his first season in charge of a top-flight team, Fonseca led Paços de Ferreira to a third-place finish{{cite web|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-portugues/noticia/2013/05/porto-confirma-favoritismo-vence-o-pacos-de-ferreira-e-e-tricampeao.html|title=Porto confirma favoritismo, vence o Paços de Ferreira e é tricampeão|trans-title=Porto confirm favourite status, beat Paços de Ferreira and are back-to-back-to-back champions|publisher=Globo Esporte|language=pt|date=19 May 2013|access-date=28 March 2022}} after signing a two-year contract on 28 May 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsf.pt/desporto/paulo-fonseca-e-o-novo-tecnico-do-pacos-de-ferreira-2551646.html|title=Paulo Fonseca é o novo técnico do Paços de Ferreira|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca is the new manager of Paços de Ferreira|publisher=TSF|language=pt|date=28 May 2012|access-date=29 March 2022}} The club consequently qualified for the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League for the only time in its history;{{cite news|url=https://www.ojogo.pt/futebol/1a-liga/pacos-ferreira/noticias/champions-e-o-culminar-de-epoca-de-sucesso-3214412.html|title="Champions é o culminar de época de sucesso"|trans-title=Champions puts icing on cake to successful season|newspaper=O Jogo|language=pt|date=11 May 2013|access-date=28 March 2022}} in the domestic league, they only lost to champions Porto and runners-up Benfica,{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/pt/noticias/2013/12/24/313368.html|title=Paços de Ferreira 2013: Fazer história e cair para último|trans-title=Paços de Ferreira 2013: Make history and drop to last|publisher=Vavel|language=pt|date=24 December 2013|access-date=28 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/opiniao/rubrica/nem-de-proposito-paulo-fonseca-coragem-e-competencia|title=Nem de propósito: Paulo Fonseca, coragem e competência|trans-title=Not in one's wildest dreams: Paulo Fonseca, courage and competence|publisher=Mais Futebol|first=Germano|last=Almeida|language=pt|date=3 December 2014|access-date=28 March 2022}} notably winning both games against Braga (2–0 at home, 3–2 away) and Sporting CP (1–0 on both occasions).{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2026295.html|title=Pacos packing a punch in Portugal|publisher=FIFA|date=7 March 2013|access-date=30 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310051235/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2026295.html|archive-date=10 March 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fcpf.pt/PagFutebol-noticias-pacos-vence-sporting-1-0-e-aproxima-se-do-sonho|title=Paços vence Sporting (1–0) e aproxima-se do sonho|trans-title=Paços beat Sporting (1–0) and come closer to dream|publisher=F.C. Paços Ferreira|language=pt|date=5 May 2013|access-date=10 August 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://pt.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/020c-0e85a7bcef43-ab151d8266bc-1000/|title=Paços defende sonho frente ao Zenit|trans-title=Paços defend dream against Zenit|publisher=UEFA|language=pt|date=14 August 2013|access-date=28 March 2022}}

Paços also reached the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup that campaign, being knocked out by Benfica.{{cite web|url=https://pt.uefa.com/news-media/news/0208-0f886c35d8d6-6c817d918409-1000--benfica-volta-a-final-da-taca-de-portugal/|title=Benfica volta à final da Taça de Portugal|trans-title=Benfica return to Portuguese Cup final|publisher=UEFA|language=pt|date=15 April 2013|access-date=28 March 2022}}

Fonseca succeeded Vítor Pereira at Porto – winners of the last three league titles – when he joined on a two-year deal on 10 June 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-fc-porto-news/41431-paulo-fonseca-new-porto-coach|title=Paulo Fonseca appointed new Porto coach|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Tom|last=Kundert|date=10 June 2013|access-date=30 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126195604/http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-fc-porto-news/41431-paulo-fonseca-new-porto-coach|archive-date=26 November 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2105353.html|title=Porto appoint Fonseca|publisher=FIFA|date=10 June 2013|access-date=30 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305223013/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=2105353.html|archive-date=5 March 2014}} He started his spell on a high note, winning the year's Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira after a 3–0 victory over Vitória de Guimarães which marked his first honour as a coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-fc-porto-news/41700-porto-lift-supertaca|title=Porto win Supertaça in style|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Stephen|last=Gillett|date=10 August 2013|access-date=5 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061231/http://www.portugoal.net/index.php/more-fc-porto-news/41700-porto-lift-supertaca|archive-date=23 October 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/supertaca/artigos/fc-porto-e-vitoria-de-guimaraes-disputam-35-a-edicao-em-aveiro|title=FC Porto e Vitória de Guimarães disputam 35.ª edição em Aveiro|trans-title=FC Porto and Vitória de Guimarães challenge 35th edition in Aveiro|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=8 August 2013|access-date=8 May 2018}}

However, on 5 March 2014, following a string of poor results that left the club in the third position in the league, nine points behind leaders Benfica, Fonseca was relieved of his duties.{{cite web|url=http://maisfutebol.iol.pt/fc-porto-liga-paulo-fonseca-luis-castro-paulo-fonseca-demissao/53171994e4b02ab509a81702.html|title=Oficial: Paulo Fonseca saiu, Luís Castro é o treinador|trans-title=Official: Paulo Fonseca left, Luís Castro is the manager|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=5 March 2014|access-date=5 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008115610/http://maisfutebol.iol.pt/fc-porto-liga-paulo-fonseca-luis-castro-paulo-fonseca-demissao/53171994e4b02ab509a81702.html|archive-date=8 October 2014}} Previously, on 12 January, he had stated that Porto would be champions in the last matchday against that opponent.{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/fonseca-na-ultima-jornada-seremos-campeoes|title=Fonseca: «Na última jornada seremos campeões»|trans-title=Fonseca: "In last matchday we will be champions"|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=12 January 2014|access-date=4 May 2021}}

On 11 June 2014, Fonseca returned to Paços de Ferreira.{{cite web|url=http://www.porto24.pt/desporto/pacos-de-ferreira-confirma-regresso-de-paulo-fonseca/|title=Paços de Ferreira confirma regresso de Paulo Fonseca|trans-title=Paços de Ferreira confirm return of Paulo Fonseca|publisher=Porto 24|first=Ana Isabel|last=Pereira|language=pt|date=10 June 2014|access-date=31 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126185235/http://www.porto24.pt/desporto/pacos-de-ferreira-confirma-regresso-de-paulo-fonseca/|archive-date=26 January 2018}} His one season back at the Estádio da Mata Real resulted in an eighth-place finish, missing out on qualification for the UEFA Europa League on the final day.{{cite web|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pacos-ferreira/nacional-goleia-pacos-de-ferreira-ambos-falham-europa_d831141|title=Nacional goleia Paços de Ferreira, ambos falham Europa|trans-title=Nacional thrash Paços de Ferreira, both miss out on Europe|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|language=pt|date=23 May 2015|access-date=21 November 2021}}

Fonseca agreed to a two-year contract with Braga on 1 July 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/braga-oficializa-paulo-fonseca-4656727.html|title=Braga oficializa Paulo Fonseca|trans-title=Braga make Paulo Fonseca official|newspaper=Jornal de Notícias|language=pt|date=1 July 2015|access-date=31 May 2016}} He led them to fourth position,{{cite web|url=https://rr.sapo.pt/noticia/53723/eventual_saida_de_paulo_fonseca_deixa_braga_com_pena|title=Eventual saída de Paulo Fonseca deixa Braga "com pena"|trans-title=Eventual departure of Paulo Fonseca leaves Braga "feeling sorry"|publisher=Rádio Renascença|language=pt|date=9 May 2016|access-date=31 March 2022}} also winning the domestic cup for the first time in 50 years with a penalty shootout victory over Porto in the final.{{cite web|url=https://rr.sapo.pt/noticia/54785/sp_braga_vence_taca_de_portugal|title=Sp. Braga vence Taça de Portugal|trans-title=Sp. Braga win Portuguese Cup|publisher=Rádio Renascença|first=Carlos|last=Calaveiras|language=pt|date=22 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/final-da-taca-no-jamor-equipas-a-caminho-do-estadio-5187509.html|title=Sp. Braga conquista a Taça, 50 anos depois|trans-title=Sp. Braga conquer Cup, 50 years later|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|language=pt|date=22 May 2016|access-date=30 March 2022}} In the Europa League, they reached the last-eight stage.

File:Presentation_Shahter_(7).jpg

Fonseca moved abroad for the first time in his career on 31 May 2016, replacing legendary Mircea Lucescu (12 seasons) at the helm of Shakhtar Donetsk and signing a two-year contract at the Ukrainian Premier League side.{{cite web|url=http://shakhtar.com/en/news/37818|title=Paulo Fonseca is Shakhtar head coach|publisher=Shakhtar Donetsk|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://rr.sapo.pt/noticia/55480/oficial_paulo_fonseca_confirmado_no_shakhtar|title=Oficial. Paulo Fonseca confirmado no Shakhtar|trans-title=Official. Paulo Fonseca confirmed at Shakhtar|publisher=Rádio Renascença|language=pt|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}} He won the double in all three seasons of his spell{{cite web|url=https://www.sapo.pt/noticias/desporto/paulo-fonseca-diz-que-e-praticamente_5cde6ef2d9048e7d17f526d6|title=Paulo Fonseca diz que é "praticamente impossível fazer melhor" no Shakhtar|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca says it's "nearly impossible to do better" at Shakhtar|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|date=17 May 2019|access-date=12 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/internacional/shakhtar-donetsk/ucrania-paulo-fonseca-sagra-se-tricampeao|title=Ucrânia: Paulo Fonseca sagra-se tricampeão|trans-title=Ukraine: Paulo Fonseca crowned back-to-back-to-back champion|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=19 May 2019|access-date=12 June 2019}}– which earned him the distinction as the league's best coach in 2016–17.{{cite news|url=https://www.ojogo.pt/internacional/portugueses/noticias/interior/paulo-fonseca-depois-da-dobradinha-o-primeiro-premio-8540613.html|title=Paulo Fonseca: depois da dobradinha, o primeiro prémio|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca: after the double, the first award|newspaper=O Jogo|language=pt|date=6 June 2017|access-date=8 May 2018}}

Fonseca's side reached the round of 16 of the 2017–18 Champions League,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43293342|title=Roma 1–0 Shakhtar Donetsk|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Katie|last=Falkingham|date=13 March 2018|access-date=8 May 2018}} after finishing second in the group stage following a 2–1 home defeat of Premier League club Manchester City.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42242185|title=Shakhtar Donetsk 2–1 Manchester City|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Michael|last=Emons|date=6 December 2017|access-date=8 May 2018}} Having inflicted a first defeat in 29 matches of Pep Guardiola's side, he kept a promise to do his next press conference dressed as the fictional hero Zorro.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42260741|title=Paulo Fonseca: Shakhtar Donetsk boss celebrates win by wearing Zorro mask|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2017|access-date=21 November 2021}}

File:Paulo-Fonseca-Conferência-de-Imprensa.jpg

On 11 June 2019, Fonseca was appointed manager of Roma.{{cite web|url=https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2019/6/fonseca-to-become-new-roma-head-coach|title=Fonseca to become new Roma head coach|publisher=A.S. Roma|date=11 June 2019|access-date=11 June 2019}} He led the side to the fifth place in the Serie A in his first season,{{cite web|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2020/12/21/roma-risultati-scontri-diretti|title=Roma, zero vittorie contro le prime 10 della classifica di Serie A|trans-title=Roma, no wins against top 10 in Serie A table|publisher=Sky Sport|language=it|date=21 December 2020|access-date=4 May 2021}} as well as the semi-finals of the subsequent Europa League.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56892065|title=Manchester United 6–2 Roma|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Simon|last=Stone|date=29 April 2021|access-date=4 May 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57000593|title=Roma 3–2 Manchester United|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Simon|last=Stone|date=6 May 2021|access-date=6 May 2021}} He announced his departure in May 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/as-roma/story/4377277/fonseca-to-leave-roma-at-end-of-season|title=Fonseca to leave Roma at end of season as Mourinho makes surprise return|publisher=ESPN|date=4 May 2021|access-date=7 May 2021}}

Immediately after leaving Roma, Fonseca was director Fabio Paratici's top choice to be manager of Tottenham Hotspur, but the advanced negotiations were scrapped on 17 June 2021,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57518623|title=Paulo Fonseca: Tottenham end talks with Portuguese manager|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Simon|last=Stone|date=17 June 2021|access-date=18 June 2021}} allegedly due to tax issues.{{cite tweet|number=1405538810121711629|title=Paulo Fonseca to Tottenham is 100% OFF.|publisher=Twitter|first=Fabrizio|last=Romano|author-link=Fabrizio Romano|user=FabrizioRomano|date=17 June 2021|access-date=30 October 2022}} However, in an interview with The Daily Telegraph in September, the former revealed that the main reason for this was that the latter wanted to hire a more defensive-minded coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/09/23/paulo-fonseca-interview-spurs-move-torpedoed-desire-defensive|title=Paulo Fonseca interview: My Spurs move was torpedoed by a desire for defensive football|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Mike|last=McGrath|date=23 September 2021|access-date=6 April 2022|url-access=subscription}} In October, he was interviewed by Newcastle United following their Saudi-led takeover, before the interest shifted to Unai Emery and Eddie Howe;{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paulo-fonseca-newcastle-united-boss-22096761|title=Paulo Fonseca 'thought he was' going to be Newcastle United boss after three interviews|newspaper=Evening Chronicle|first=Joshua|last=Hobbs|date=7 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}} his name was then linked to a third English club, Aston Villa.{{cite news|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fonseca-aston-villa-newcastle-tottenham-22049599|title=Paul Merson highlights Paulo Fonseca problem amid Aston Villa claim|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|first=Mark|last=Whiley|date=2 November 2021|access-date=21 November 2021}}

On 29 June 2022, Fonseca signed a two-year contract with French Ligue 1 club Lille.{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Paulo-fonseca-est-le-nouvel-entraineur-de-lille/1341095|title=Paulo Fonseca est le nouvel entraîneur de Lille|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca is the new manager of Lille|newspaper=L'Équipe|language=fr|date=29 June 2022|access-date=29 June 2022}} He made his debut on 7 August in a 4–1 home win over Auxerre.{{cite web|url=https://portugoal.net/portuguese-abroad/2693-paulo-fonseca-off-to-perfect-start-in-france-with-lille|title=Paulo Fonseca off to 'perfect start' in France with Lille|publisher=PortuGOAL|first=Sean|last=Gillen|date=8 August 2022|access-date=4 September 2022}} On 9 October, his team defeated Derby du Nord rivals Lens 1–0 also at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.{{cite web|url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sports/foot/ligue-1/direct-lille-lens-les-sang-et-or-visent-le-podium-suivez-le-derby-du-nord-en-epilogue-de-la-10e-journee-de-ligue-1_5403976.html|title=Lille-Lens: David offre la victoire aux Dogues dans le derby du Nord|trans-title=Lille-Lens: David offers win to Dogues in northern derby|publisher=France Info|first=Simon|last=Bardet|language=fr|date=9 October 2022|access-date=28 October 2022}} One of the best attacking sides in the first half of that season, they played an open 4–2–3–1 formation with Benjamin André, André Gomes or Angel Gomes being deployed as central midfielders behind playmaker Rémy Cabella and lone striker Jonathan David. Following a 4–3 home victory against Monaco on 23 October, only Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain had more possession in the domestic league.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/24/lille-attack-defence-paulo-fonseca-monaco|title=Attack is proving the best form of defence for Lille and Paulo Fonseca|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Eric|last=Devin|date=24 October 2022|access-date=27 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.losc.fr/actualites/2022-10-28/lepisode-13-lyon-pour-continuer-de-briller|title=L'épisode 13: À Lyon, pour continuer de briller|trans-title=13th episode: At Lyon, to keep on shining|publisher=Lille OSC|first=Adrien|last=Lejeune|language=fr|date=28 October 2022|access-date=28 October 2022}}

In the 2023–24 campaign, Lille finished fourth after a 2–2 draw with Nice on the final matchday, thereby missing out on direct Champions League qualification.{{cite web|url=https://www.ligue1.com/Articles/News/2024/05/19/losc-held-by-nice-as-les-dogues-qualify-for-ucl-play-offs|title=LOSC held by Nice as Les Dogues qualify for UCL play-offs|publisher=Ligue 1|first=G.|last=Boxall|date=19 May 2024|access-date=6 June 2024}} He left on 5 June 2024 by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=https://www.losc.fr/en/node/13260|title=Le LOSC remercie Paulo Fonseca|trans-title=LOSC thank Paulo Fonseca|publisher=Lille OSC|language=fr|date=5 June 2024|access-date=5 June 2024}}

File:Paulo Fonseca AC Milan.jpg

On 13 June 2024, Fonseca was appointed as the new head coach of AC Milan, agreeing to a three-year deal as of 1 July.{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/it/news/articoli/media/2024-06-13/paulo-fonseca-e-il-nuovo-allenatore-del-milan|title=Paulo Fonseca è il nuovo allenatore del Milan|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca is Milan's new manager|publisher=AC Milan|language=it|date=13 June 2024|access-date=13 June 2024}} After a bad start in the season and rumours of imminent dismissal,{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/internacional/paises/italia/ac-milan/detalhe/paulo-fonseca-sob-pressao-no-milan-ibrahimovic-ja-tera-falado-com-novo-treinador|title=Paulo Fonseca sob pressão no Milan: Ibrahimovic já terá falado com novo treinador|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca under pressure at Milan: Ibrahimovic may have already talked with the next manager|newspaper=Record|first=Isabel|last=Dantas|language=pt|date=19 September 2024|access-date=25 September 2024}} he oversaw a 2–1 victory against Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on 22 September.{{cite web|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/serie-a/articles/inter-1-2-milan-last-gasp-gabbia-header-seals-derby-day-spoils-2024-09-22|title=Inter 1–2 Milan: Last-gasp Gabbia header seals derby day spoils|publisher=beIN Sports|date=22 September 2024|access-date=25 September 2024}} Ahead of the match, he experimented with the lineup, choosing 4–4–2 and 4–2–4 for defence and attack, respectively;{{cite web|url=https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/inter-milan-le-formazioni-ufficiali-fonseca-passa-al-4-4-2-in-difesa-gabbia-tomori-550050|title=Inter-Milan, le formazioni ufficiali. Fonseca passa al 4–4–2, in difesa Gabbia-Tomori|trans-title=Inter-Milan, the official lineups. Fonseca goes to 4–4–2, Gabbia-Tomori in defence|publisher=Milan News|first=Manuel|last=Del Vecchio|language=it|date=22 September 2024|access-date=23 September 2024}} it was also the first time the club had defeated this opposition in two years, ending a six-game losing streak.{{cite news|url=https://observador.pt/2024/09/22/a-resposta-de-paulo-fonseca-a-quem-ja-o-queria-de-malas-feitas-ac-milan-vence-inter-e-conquista-derbi-dois-anos-depois/|title=A resposta de Paulo Fonseca a quem já o queria de malas feitas: AC Milan vence Inter e conquista dérbi dois anos depois|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca replies to those who already had him packing: AC Milan beat Inter and claim derby two years later|newspaper=Observador|first=Mariana|last=Fernandes|language=pt|date=22 September 2024|access-date=25 September 2024}}

Fonseca was sacked on 29 December 2024, with the team in eighth position.{{cite web|url=https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2024/12/fonseca-si-e-vero-sono-uscito-dal-milan-d9512461-904b-4178-a862-3773ec39f514.html|title=Fonseca esonerato: "Sì è vero, sono uscito dal Milan"|trans-title=Fonseca dismissed: "Yes it's true, I have left Milan"|publisher=Rai News 24|language=it|date=29 December 2024|access-date=30 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/media/2024-12-30/official-statement-paulo-fonseca|title=Official statement: Paulo Fonseca|publisher=AC Milan|date=30 December 2024|access-date=30 December 2024}}

On 31 January 2025, Fonseca returned to the French top tier with Lyon.{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/C-est-officiel-paulo-fonseca-est-le-nouvel-entraineur-de-l-olympique-lyonnais/1536522|title=C'est officiel, Paulo Fonseca est le nouvel entraîneur de l'Olympique Lyonnais|trans-title=It's official, Paulo Fonseca is the new coach of Olympique Lyonnais|newspaper=L'Équipe|language=fr|date=31 January 2025|access-date=31 January 2025}} On 2 March, he aggressively confronted Benoît Millot at the end of a 2–1 home win over Brest, his head making contact with the referee; he was sent off for his actions and, the following day (his 52nd birthday), handed a suspension until 30 November that included the impossibility of sitting on his team's bench or entering their dressing room until 15 September.{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/paulo-fonseca-suspenso-at%C3%A9-30-de-novembro|title=Paulo Fonseca suspenso até 30 de novembro|trans-title=Paulo Fonseca suspended until 30 November|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|first=Ricardo|last=Simões Ferreira|language=pt|date=5 March 2025|access-date=5 March 2025}}

At Shakhtar, Roma and Lille, Fonseca preferred a 4–2–3–1 formation and an emphasis on dominating possession. In these teams, the player behind the centre-forward played as a second striker; Henrikh Mkhitaryan achieved 13 goals for Roma in 2020–21 from that position.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/premier-league/2020-2021/tottenham-hotspur-s-hunt-for-new-manager-expert-view-is-paulo-fonseca-the-right-fit-to-give-spurs-a-_sto8366779/story.shtml|title=Is Paulo Fonseca the right fit to give Spurs a boost?|publisher=Eurosport|first=Carlo Filippo|last=Vardelli|date=10 June 2021|access-date=4 December 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-paulo-fonseca-double-winning-21912220|title=Who is Paulo Fonseca? The double winning manager linked with Newcastle United|newspaper=Evening Chronicle|first=Matty|last=Hewitt|date=20 October 2021|access-date=4 December 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/who-is-paulo-fonseca-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-potential-new-newcastle-manager|title=Who is Paulo Fonseca? Everything you need to know about the potential new Newcastle manager|publisher=FourFourTwo|first=Ed|last=McCambridge|date=21 October 2021|access-date=4 December 2021}}

In an interview for French media RMC about his Lille debut, Fonseca described his managerial style as "an offensive play in order to overcome the opponent, to settle in the opponent's half and to create many scoring chances."{{cite web|url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-1/le-losc-sa-vision-du-football-son-experience-en-ukraine-l-interview-integrale-de-paulo-fonseca-coach-de-lille_AV-202302170639.html|title=Le LOSC, sa vision du football, son expérience en Ukraine... L'interview intégrale de Paulo Fonseca, coach de Lille|trans-title=LOSC, his vision of the game, his experience in Ukraine... Full interview with Lille coach Paulo Fonseca|publisher=RMC|first=Nicolas|last=Vilas|language=fr|date=17 February 2023|access-date=18 February 2023}}

Speaking in 2021, Fonseca mentioned three coaches which influenced his philosophy and style: ‘At this moment, I can highlight Maurizio Sarri and Pep Guardiola as the coaches I admire the most because they are bold, they have their own ideas, they are brave enough to play their own game and attack. Now, we can’t forget that José Mourinho has marked a generation of coaches in Portugal and marked Portuguese football. He completely changed the mindset of Portuguese coaches and he’s obviously been a great influence.’{{cite web|url=https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/paulo-fonseca-tottenham-manager-philosophy-20831350|title=Paulo Fonseca's football philosophy has been shaped by three managers ahead of Tottenham arrival|publisher=Football London|first=Rob|last=Guest|date=16 June 2021|access-date=24 May 2024}}

Fonseca had a son and a daughter with his first wife. On 29 May 2018, he married Ukrainian television personality and producer Katerina Ostroushko (born 1991) at Lake Como, Italy; their son was born the same year.{{cite news|url=https://www.jn.pt/pessoas/mulher-do-treinador-paulo-fonseca-em-kiev-o-meu-pequeno-filho-nao-merecia-a-guerra-14620046.html|title=Mulher do treinador Paulo Fonseca em Kiev: "O meu pequeno filho não merecia a guerra"|trans-title=Wife of manager Paulo Fonseca in Kiev: "My baby boy did not deserve war"|newspaper=Jornal de Notícias|first=Sara|last=Oliveira|language=pt|date=24 February 2022|access-date=18 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://showbizcast.com/everything-we-know-about-paulo-fonsecas-wife-katerina-ostroushko|title=Everything we know about Paulo Fonseca's wife, Katerina Ostroushko|publisher=Showbiz Cast|first=Rezina|last=Shrestha|date=24 February 2022|access-date=18 March 2022}} The family escaped Kyiv after the 2022 Russian invasion, travelling for 30 hours to Romania.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12556091/paulo-fonseca-describes-harrowing-30-hour-escape-from-ukraine|title=Paulo Fonseca describes harrowing 30-hour escape from Ukraine|publisher=Sky Sports|date=3 March 2022|access-date=16 June 2022}}

{{updated|match played 17 May 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/coach_teams.php?id=1218|title=Paulo Fonseca|publisher=Zerozero|access-date=23 December 2020}}{{soccerway coach|paulo-fonseca/195779}}{{soccerbase (manager)}}

Porto

• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2013

Braga

• Taça de Portugal: 2015–16

Shakhtar Donetsk

• Ukrainian Premier League: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
• Ukrainian Cup: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
• Ukrainian Super Cup: 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/shakhtar-donetsk/dinamo-kiev/video-paulo-fonseca-conquista-a-supertaca-da-ucrania|title=VÍDEO: Paulo Fonseca conquista a Supertaça da Ucrânia|trans-title=VIDEO: Paulo Fonseca conquers Ukrainian Supercup|publisher=Mais Futebol|language=pt|date=15 July 2017|access-date=8 May 2018}}

Individual

• Ukrainian Premier League Best Coach: 2016–17

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Category:1973 births

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