As Brazil's national soccer team navigates a turbulent period following their recent defeat to Argentina, the name Renato Gaúcho is once again surfacing as a potential candidate for the head coach position. Currently without a club after parting ways with Grêmio at the end of the last season, Renato has expressed his unwavering dream of leading the Seleção, a sentiment he reiterated in a recent interview with ESPN.
Renato, a prominent figure in Brazilian football, has long been considered for the national team role, especially after Tite's departure in 2022. His name was notably in the mix for the position back in 2019, when he was enjoying a successful stint at Grêmio, having led the club to significant victories, including the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Libertadores. “The thought of coaching the Brazilian national team is something I will always have,” he stated, emphasizing that every coach should aspire to lead the national side, provided they can back it up with results.
In the latest developments, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is set to meet with current coach Dorival Júnior on March 28, 2025, to discuss his future following the team's disappointing performance in the World Cup qualifiers. The CBF is reportedly considering other names, including Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luís, should they decide to part ways with Dorival.
Renato's credentials speak volumes. He has a proven track record, having guided Grêmio to a runner-up finish in the Brazilian championship and two state titles during his fourth tenure with the club, which lasted from 2022 to 2024. His leadership and ability to motivate players have been highlighted by fans and analysts alike, particularly in the wake of recent criticisms directed at the national team's dynamics.
On social media, supporters have been vocal about their desire to see Renato take the helm, with many arguing that he possesses the necessary skills to reinvigorate the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “Only one name can lead us to the Hexa in the United States,” tweeted one fan, while another added, “It’s time for Renato Gaúcho to coach Brazil.”
Meanwhile, Renato has also weighed in on the current state of the national team’s star player, Neymar. Despite Neymar's struggles with injuries, which have limited his appearances for Santos since returning to Brazil, Renato believes that Neymar is still the best player in Brazilian football. He noted that Neymar’s talent is undeniable, but he requires a “shake-up” to fully embrace his leadership role in the national team.
“He is a crack, very much out of the ordinary, but it only took him to play a few games for people to say he is the best player in Brazilian football,” Renato remarked. He suggested that Neymar needs to focus on strengthening his physical condition to minimize his injury issues, which have kept him sidelined from crucial matches, including the Campeonato Paulista semi-final and the recent national team call-up.
Neymar was expected to lead Brazil in important qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, but a thigh discomfort has ruled him out of action, including the upcoming debut of Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro against Vasco on March 30, 2025. As Brazil prepares for their next matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June, the uncertainty surrounding Neymar's fitness adds to the challenges facing the team.
As the CBF deliberates on the future of the national team, the spotlight remains firmly on Renato Gaúcho, whose passion for coaching the Seleção and proven experience could make him a compelling choice to lead Brazil into the next chapter of their footballing journey.
