 In his debut season for Atlético Paranaense Paulo André would soon establish himself a vital member of the team's defense and helped guide the club to qualify for the 2006 Copa Sudamericana.After having a personally successful debut season he would spark foreign interests and French Ligue 1 club Le Mans signed Paulo André in June 2006 on a four and half years deal.This would see Paulo André make his league debut for Le Mans on 19 August 2006 against Valenciennes FC in a 3–2 victory, however after only three further games Paulo André was struck with a patellar tendon injury in his right knee.