Dynamo midfielder Bitello turns 26 on Wednesday.
João Paulo de Souza Mares was born in the small Brazilian town of Formosa do Oeste. He began his football career at Cascavel, where he earned the nickname "Bitello."
While playing in the Paraná state championship, he attracted the attention of Grêmio scouts, who initially signed him on loan and later purchased him. He made his debut for the senior team in March 2021, and the following year became a key player, helping them return to the Brazilian Serie A.
In September 2023, he signed a long-term contract with Dynamo Moscow. Since then, he has played 88 matches for the Blue and Whites, scoring 18 goals.