Paulinho makes history with Liga MX three-peat

Paulinho has etched his name in gold in the annals of Mexican soccer. On Saturday, the Portuguese striker became the first player in Liga MX history to win three consecutive Golden Boot titles—a feat even Toluca’s most iconic legends never achieved.

The milestone came during Matchday 17 of the Apertura 2025 tournament, when Toluca faced off against América. In the 40th minute, Paulinho received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and unleashed a blistering left-footed strike across goal—leaving América’s keeper with no chance.

Sharing the crown

That goal secured Paulinho’s place atop the scoring charts, tying him with Atlético San Luis’ Joao Pedro and rising Mexican star Armando González of Chivas.

Despite the tight race, Paulinho’s consistency and clutch performances have been instrumental in keeping Toluca among the league’s most dangerous offenses.

Goal machine since Day One

Paulinho joined Toluca ahead of the Apertura 2024 season and wasted no time making an impact. He claimed the Golden Boot outright in his debut tournament with 13 goals.

In the Clausura 2025, he repeated the feat—this time sharing the honor with Uros Durdevic (Atlas) and Raúl Zúñiga (Tijuana), each netting 12 goals. Now, with 12 goals in Apertura 2025, Paulinho completes a historic three-peat.

Since arriving in Mexico, Joao Paulo Dias Fernandes—better known as Paulinho—has become a cornerstone of Toluca’s attack. Across 60 official matches in domestic and international competitions, he’s racked up 44 goals and 10 assists, placing him among the most prolific foreign strikers in the club’s modern history.

A new legend at Toluca

With three consecutive scoring titles, Paulinho has joined the elite ranks of Mexican soccer—but with a distinction no one else can claim. He’s the only player in Liga MX history to pull off this scoring trifecta, confirming that the “Red Hell” of Toluca has a new idol.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.