What a performance! Paulinho simply took over the field, bagging a hat trick for Toluca in their massive 6-2 victory. Even Sergio Ramos, the legendary Spanish defender playing for Monterrey, had a night to forget. He tried a cheeky ‘Panenka’ penalty, but it didn’t find the net. This explosive win, during the 10th matchday of the Liga MX Apertura 2025, pushed the Portuguese forward’s team right up the standings. Toluca now sits in second place with 20 points, matching Monterrey’s tally and just two points shy of leaders Cruz Azul.
Paulinho’s recent triple marks his eighth career hat trick. He’s now scored two for Sp. Braga, three for Sporting, and three for Toluca. His goal count in the current Apertura 2025 season stands at six. That puts him just two goals behind João Pedro Galvão, formerly of Estoril and now starring for Atlético San Luis, who leads the scoring charts. Since joining Toluca in July 2024, the Portuguese star has found the net 39 times. Talk about making an impact!
After his incredible outing, Paulinho shared his thoughts. “Winning was the most important thing,” he said. “Then, of course, came the hat trick! I had been wanting one for a long time, so I am happy.” When asked if he aimed to be the tournament’s top scorer for a third time, having already achieved it in Apertura 2024 and Clausura 2025, his answer was clear. “Of course, yes, but what I truly want is to be a two-time champion with the Toluca jersey,” he explained, referencing their Clausura 2025 win. “Anything else that comes along will always be a bonus.”