Paulo Renato (footballer)


Paulo Renato Valério Calado Rodrigues, known as Renato, is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Alcácer do Sal, Renato was promoted from Sporting CP's famed youth academy in 2007–08, after having spent his first senior year at lowly Real S.C. on loan. At the end of the season he was loaned again, to second division side S.C. Olhanense, returning to Sporting in June 2009.
In the summer of 2009 yet another loan for Renato befell, now to C.F. Estrela da Amadora; the Lisbon-based club had just finished in midtable in the Primeira Liga, but was relegated to the third level due to irregularities. He subsequently returned to Olhanense, with the Algarve team now in the top flight.
From 2010 to 2015, Renato alternated between the second and third tiers, representing no fewer than six clubs. On 26 February 2015 he moved abroad for the first time, signing with Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes. He made his debut in top-division football on 7 March at the age of 27, featuring 90 minutes in a 0–1 away loss against FC Dallas.

International career

Renato participated in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, playing all the matches and minutes as Portugal exited in the round of 16.