Paulinho started his career at FC Ferreirense in Braga, and later also played for S.C. Braga, Arsenal da Devesa, Os Alegrienses, F.C. Vizela and Merelinense. As a senior, he started out at São Paio D'Arcos, where he played from 2018 until 2020.[1] Ahead of the 2021–22 season, Paulinho moved to AD Fafe, which at the time played in the Portuguese fourth tier, Campeonato de Portugal.[2] At Fafe, Paulinho played 24 league games, scoring 8 goals.
In June 2021, Paulinho signed a two-year deal Estrela.[3] During his one and a half seasons at Estrela, he played 44 games and scored 19 goals.
At the end of January 2023, Paulinho joined Danish Superliga side Viborg FF, signing a deal until June 2026.[4] After managing just 1 goal in 13 appearances in all competitions, in June 2023 he was loaned to Primeira Liga club Portimonense for the upcoming season.[5] After Paulinho failing to score for 9 appearances in all competitions for the Portimão-based club, for the second-half of the season, Viborg ended his spell at Portimonense and instead loaned him to Liga Portugal 2 side Torreense, with an option-to-buy.[6][7] After the loan spell, Ndione was not involved in the pre-season in Viborg, as the club had announced that the player was not part of the plans and was exploring the possibilities of finding a new club.[8]
On 1 July 2024, Palinho was sent out on another loan spell, this time at Turkish TFF First League side Bandırmaspor for the 2024–25 season.[9]