Paulo Foiani (born 29 November 1976) is a Brazilian football manager and former player. He is the current head coach of V.League 1 club Bắc Ninh.
Playing career Before becoming a manager, Foiani had a long professional playing career as a midfielder. He began his career at Londrina before moving to Coritiba and went on to play for numerous clubs in Brazil, such as Avaí, Joinville, and Icasa. He also had a brief spell in Vietnam, playing for Hòa Phát Hà Nội during the 2007–08 season.
Managerial career Foiani began his coaching career in 2013 in his native Brazil, managing a host of clubs in state and national leagues. His career has been diverse, marked by frequent short-term spells at numerous clubs, including Operário Ferroviário, Marcílio Dias, Cascavel, Sinop, and Boa Esporte.
In December 2022, Foiani moved to Vietnam for the first time as a manager, taking charge of Công An Hà Nội ahead of the 2023 V.League 1. However, he parted ways with the club in April 2023 after only a few matches.
After returning to Brazil and leading Sousa to a state championship title, Foiani returned to Vietnam was appointed head coach of Bắc Ninh on 23 July 2025.
Honours Manager Marcílio Dias Campeonato Catarinense Série B: 2013 Copa Santa Catarina runner-up: 2019
Cascavel Campeonato Paranaense Segunda Divisão: 2014
Juazeirense Copa Governador do Estado da Bahia runner-up: 2015
Sinop Campeonato Matogrossense runner-up: 2018
Sergipe Campeonato Sergipano runner-up: 2020
Sousa Campeonato Paraibano: 2024
Individual Campeonato Sergipano Best Coach: 2020 Campeonato Paraibano Best Coach: 2024
References