Down to one. Few anticipated a Brazilian side would advance to the Club World Cup semi-finals, and among potential contenders, Fluminense was hardly the favorite. After securing the Copa Libertadores in 2023, they narrowly avoided relegation the following year and cycled through four managers in under two years.
Fortunately for them, they are now led by the charismatic Renato Gaúcho, who remarked earlier in the tournament: “A squad worth 500 million reais doesn’t guarantee victory—football is decided on the pitch.” Throughout the competition, he has called for Brazilians to take pride in their clubs’ achievements, despite being overshadowed by wealthier European teams.
He also urged Fluminense supporters to celebrate boldly, having outlasted Rio rivals Flamengo and Botafogo, as well as São Paulo’s Palmeiras. "I want fans to wear the Fluminense jersey everywhere—at the beach, walking their dog, visiting the mall. Wherever they go, they should proudly represent the club," he said following their 2-1 quarter-final victory against Al-Hilal.
Renato, a Brazilian football icon who once held rockstar-like fame in the 1980s and 1990s, hasn’t always been taken seriously as a manager due to his notorious past. Journalist Carlos Eduardo Mansur notes that his former reputation left many skeptical of his leadership. "People doubted if he could command authority given his reputation for enjoying life’s pleasures."
Though he guided Fluminense to the 2008 Copa Libertadores final, he seemed destined to become what Brazilians call a "manager of the market"—a coach constantly switching clubs in the country’s managerial carousel. "No one believed he truly took the profession seriously or studied the game," Mansur adds.
When Brazil suffered their historic 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup, the national association introduced coaching courses. Renato dismissed the idea, preferring foot-volley and beachside relaxation. "Those who need to learn should study. Those who don’t can enjoy the beach without worry," he joked. His indifference didn’t help his standing.
Though he later won the Copa Libertadores with Grêmio in 2017, his career remained volatile with few further successes. Yet somewhere along the way, he transformed. "Those close to him now say he watches football obsessively—he's deeply committed," Mansur observes.
His fixation has even caused friction at home. He reportedly upset his daughter by turning down family gatherings to analyze matches.
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