Botafogo Fires Coach Paiva After Club World Cup Exit

Botafogo has become the first team in the 2025 Club World Cup to sack its coach. Just hours after being knocked out in the Round of 16 by Palmeiras, the Rio de Janeiro club announced the departure of head coach Renato Paiva.

“Botafogo informs that Renato Paiva is no longer head coach of the first team,” the club posted on social media late Sunday. The message also thanked Paiva and his staff for their contributions in recent months, highlighting the surprise win over Paris Saint-Germain and the team’s qualification to the knockout stages of the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.

Paiva, who took charge in February after Artur Jorge’s exit, had a turbulent stint. While he managed to steer Botafogo past Atlético Madrid and PSG in the group stage, the team fell 1-0 to Palmeiras in extra time, ending their Club World Cup run.

Club owner John Textor and the football department are now actively seeking a replacement. Paiva, formerly of Mexico’s Toluca, had been brought in after Jorge led the club to a historic 2024 season, winning both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league.

Botafogo still has important commitments: a Round of 16 clash with LDU Quito in the 2025 Libertadores and a current eighth-place standing in the Brasileirao, six points behind leaders Flamengo. With 27 league matches remaining, the coaching decision will be crucial for the season ahead.