Leo Matos has returned to PAOK, this time in a different role, taking on the duties of Sporting Director. Following a highly successful four-year spell as a player for the club, during which he played a key role in winning major trophies and earned the admiration of the fans for his passion, dedication, and professionalism, the Brazilian returns to Toumba aiming to contribute his knowledge and experience from an executive position.

Leo Matos was born in Rio de Janeiro on April 2, 1986, and grew up in the São Gonçalo favela. He started playing football at the age of eight in Flamengo’s academy and went on to represent Brazil at U17 level, winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup. His performances attracted the attention of Marseille, who signed him in January 2003.

Marseille, however, did not prove particularly welcoming for the 17-year-old Brazilian, who returned to Flamengo a year and a half later. There, he made his first appearances at professional level and earned another opportunity to try his luck in France. Although he received playing time, he was unable to establish himself and eventually chose to terminate his contract and return to Brazil.

Matos enjoyed successful spells with Tombense, Paraná, Figueirense, and Vila Nova before making the move back to Europe in February 2010, joining Chornomorets Odesa. He quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers and one of the top players in the Ukrainian league.

Although naturally a full-back, Matos played most of his matches for Chornomorets as a right midfielder, demonstrating his ability to cover the entire right flank. In the summer of 2014, he transferred to Dnipro, where he was successfully converted from a right-sided defender and midfielder into a left-back. During the 2014–15 season, he helped the Ukrainian side reach the UEFA Europa League Final, where they narrowly lost 3-2 to Sevilla.

From the summer of 2016, when he first wore the black-and-white jersey, Matos never truly relinquished his place on the right side of PAOK’s defence. Beyond his defensive contributions, he also made a significant impact in attack, scoring numerous crucial goals. During the club’s golden era, he won the unbeaten Greek Championship of 2019 and three Greek Cups (2017, 2018, and 2019). He concluded his four-year spell with PAOK having made 168 appearances in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing 16 assists.

On October 23, 2020, he signed a two-year contract with Vasco da Gama. In 2023, he retired from professional football and took over as Technical Director at Vasco da Gama, bringing to a close a distinguished playing career that included 469 appearances, 48 goals, and 49 assists.

Committed to his personal and professional development, Matos also pursued academic education, earning a certificate in Harvard University’s “Crossover into Business” program.