Renato Gaúcho Returns to Fluminense for a Sixth Spell as Head Coach

Fluminense have turned to a familiar face to navigate a pivotal year both domestically and internationally. On Thursday, the club officially appointed Renato ‘Gaúcho’ Portaluppi as head coach for the sixth time in his career, replacing Mano Menezes after a string of disappointing results.

The 62-year-old Brazilian, who last managed the team in 2013, takes over with immediate effect and will lead the squad in both the Copa Sudamericana and the FIFA Club World Cup. Renato's long-standing connection with Fluminense dates back to 2002, when he first took charge, and his return is seen as a move to restore stability and inject fresh energy into the club.

Renato made his name as a player with Gremio, where he won the 1983 Copa Libertadores and became a club legend. His coaching career includes major success with the same club, guiding them to another Libertadores title in 2017 and a Recopa Sudamericana. He also had stints at Flamengo and Vasco da Gama, and was briefly linked to the vacant Brazil national team job following Dorival Júnior’s dismissal.

Fluminense initially pursued Argentine manager Gabriel Milito, a recent Libertadores finalist with Atlético Mineiro, but he declined the role. The decision to sack Menezes followed a 2-0 league loss to Fortaleza and a defeat to Flamengo in the Campeonato Carioca final. Renato’s debut on the bench is set for Sunday’s league match against Bragantino as the Tricolor look to bounce back quickly.