André Balada, a well-known name in Brazilian football, took a significant step in his career on March 25, 2025, when he was announced as the president of Cabofriense. Balada, who has had a storied career playing for multiple prestigious clubs including Santos, Corinthians, and Vasco, is now tasked with leading the club as it competes in Serie A2 of the Campeonato Carioca.
In a heartfelt announcement made via social media, André Balada shared his excitement about this new role, stating, "Mais um grande desafio para 2025! Agora, oficialmente, assumo a presidência da Cabofriense, o clube da minha cidade e que me abriu as portas para o futebol. É hora de voltar para casa, criar oportunidades para os jovens da nossa região e recolocar a Cabofriense no lugar que ela merece: a elite do futebol carioca!" This translates to, "Another great challenge for 2025! Now, officially, I take over the presidency of Cabofriense, the club in my city that opened the doors for me in football. It’s time to return home, create opportunities for young people in our region and put Cabofriense back where it deserves: in the elite of Carioca football!"
At just 34 years old, Balada is already making waves as one of the youngest presidents in the league. His journey began at Cabofriense, where he started his professional career in 2008 before moving to Santos in the following season. Balada’s career has included not only success in Brazil but also stints in clubs across Europe, marking him as a seasoned professional who has experienced various levels of competition.
In addition to his previous roles, Balada aims to rejuvenate the community's relationship with the club and inspire a new generation of players. Reflecting on his familial ties to Cabofriense, he remarked, "A Cabofriense foi onde meu pai jogou, foi onde meus primos jogaram e meus amigos. Certamente quem é de Cabo Frio tem algum parente que já jogou na Cabofriense ou passou na Cabofriense. A Cabofriense é muito família." Translated, this means, "Cabofriense is where my father played, where my cousins and friends played. Certainly, anyone from Cabo Frio has a relative who has either played for or passed through Cabofriense. Cabofriense is very much a family club." This deep sense of belonging underscores his ambition to lead the team in a way that resonates with the local community.
One of the club's primary goals under Balada’s leadership will be to facilitate opportunities for young athletes in the region. As he mentioned, "Meu plano é trazer a Cabofriense para dentro da casa de todo mundo. A população pode ter de novo esse sonho, que tá um pouco adormecido, e ressuscitar isso." In English, this translates to, "My plan is to bring Cabofriense back into the homes of everyone. The community can once again dream, which has been somewhat dormant, and revive that dream." His commitment demonstrates a desire to not only uplift the club but also to ignite hope among the youth in Cabo Frio.
André Balada's transition into the executive role has not been without recognition. He gained notable attention in early 2024 while playing for America-RJ, where a fan chant amusingly referenced his lifestyle. Despite the light-hearted nickname, it’s clear his focus is now entirely on revitalizing the club and maintaining a positive image. Just before taking the presidency, he was also set to become a commentator for Rede Globo, though it remains uncertain if that will continue alongside his club duties.
As Cabofriense seeks to recover from its relegation in 2021, Balada's leadership comes at a pivotal time. He understands what is at stake, emphasizing the need for a strong community connection and ambition to reclaim the club's position in the Carioca football elite. The club is looking to make a splash in the Serie A2 and aims to start the competitive season on a high note, with their first match scheduled for May 10 or 11, 2025.
With a strong vision and deep ties to the club, André Balada is poised to lead Cabofriense into a new chapter. As he embarks on this journey, his dual aim of developing local talent and strengthening community ties will be watched closely by fans and stakeholders alike. The excitement surrounding his presidency reflects a hopeful resurgence for both Balada and the Cabofriense.
