Zé Paulo's story unfolds in Ubatuba-SP, a charming surf town on the north shore of São Paulo state, Brazil. Born and raised, he spent his early years in the Sertão do Ingá neighborhood with his mother and two older brothers, born in 1983 and 1985. The family dynamic changed when he welcomed a stepdad into their lives at the age of 10.

The Sertão do Inga neighborhood, though distant from school and friends, was where Zé Paulo's passion for football ignited. Introduced to the sport by a classmate at the tender age of 5, he initially played as a defender. 

It wasn't until later, at around the age of 10, that he found his place in the regional team, wearing the coveted number 9 jersey playing as a starting striker. Football became a significant social activity, connecting him with boys from the area and imparting valuable life lessons. Zé Paulo even achieved success by winning several minor regional championships.

A move at the age of 10 took Zé Paulo's family to Vila Santana, a small favela in the south of Ubatuba. Initially shy about his new living situation, he eventually embraced it, finding pride in calling Vila Santana home. Residing with around 20 family members in four homes on the same property offered a distinctive outlook on the significance of striving for success and pursuing well-organized living within the framework of family and community dynamics.

Zé Paulo's educational journey led him through four different public schools, beginning at EMEI¹ Thereza Dos Santos in 2005 and 2006, followed by EM² Nativa Fernandes de Faria from 2007 to 2010. Middle and high school unfolded at EE³ Professora Áurea Moreira Rachou from 2011 to 2015, despite its reputation as one of the worst schools in the north shore of the state during that time. In 2016 and 2017, Zé Paulo attended EE Thomaz Ribeiro de Lima in Caraguatatuba. The daily routine involved waking up at 5 am to catch a bus to the neighbor city, and to make this possible, he used his bike to cover the 3 km distance to the bus stop. The bus journey itself spanned about 20 km. This practical approach was a testament to Zé Paulo's commitment to his education during those two years.

1. EMEI: Municipal School of Early Childhood Education
2. EM: Municipal School
3. EE: State School