As a right-back, Pedro Paulo became one of the pillars of the great Cruzeiro team of the 1960s, nationally recognized for its technique and fighting spirit. He was a starter in historic moments, including the 1966 Taça Brasil finals, when Cruzeiro defeated Pelé's Santos and captivated the country with revolutionary football.

He built a career technically based on grit, objectivity, physical vigor, and the ease with which he went on the attack, something uncommon among full-backs of his generation. On those occasions, winger Natal would move to receive his perfect crosses. He was an idol of the fans for embodying the old fighting spirit of Palmeiras. He was the counterpoint in a team of virtuosos. He resembled the style of the tenacious Souza and Adelino more than that of his successor Nelinho, a refined football player.
His performances earned him call-ups to the Minas Gerais State Team in 1967 and 1970. In 1968, he wore the Brazilian National Team jersey in a 3-2 victory over a mixed Argentine team, in a friendly match played at Mineirão.