Carlos Alberto Parreira
Brazilian manager who led five national teams to the World Cup and won the 1994 FIFA World Cup with Brazil.
Carlos Alberto Gomes Parreira (born 27 February 1943) is a Brazilian former football manager who holds the record for attending the most FIFA World Cup tournaments as manager with six appearances. He also managed five different national teams in six editions of the FIFA World Cup. He managed Brazil to victory at the 1994 World Cup, the 2004 Copa América, and the 2005 Confederations Cup. He is also the only manager to have led two different Asian teams to conquer the AFC Asian Cup. He last managed the South Africa national football team. Parreira is one of the most successful managers to have never played football himself.
Quick Facts
- Role
- National Team Manager (Saudi Arabia)
- Nationality
- Brazilian
- Previous major achievement
- 1994 FIFA World Cup Winner (as manager)
- Status
- Former International Coach
Lore & Background
Parreira supports Fluminense, and he has won two league titles for the club: The First Division Brazilian Championship in 1984 and the Third Division in 1999. About the latter title, Parreira has said that this was personally the most important trophy of his career, even more so than Brazil's World Cup triumph, as the club he loved was facing near-bankruptcy and became very close to extinction at the time. Parreira is one of two coaches that has led five national teams to the World Cup: Kuwait in 1982, United Arab Emirates in 1990, Brazil in 1994 and 2006, Saudi Arabia in 1998 and South Africa in 2010. The other coach, Bora Milutinović, reached this record when he led a fifth team in 2002. Parreira was also involved with the 1970 championship team for Brazil, which he claims was an inspiration for him to aspire to be a national football coach.
Reader's Guide
Parreira coached Saudi Arabia at the 1998 World Cup in France, where he was fired after two matches. He coached Brazil to victory in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and was the coach of the South Africa national football team until resigning in April 2008. He resumed coaching South Africa in 2009 in time for the 2010 World Cup. On 25 June 2010 he announced his retirement as football coach. In contrast to other previous more offensive-minded managers of the Brazil national team, Parreira was instead known for his more pragmatic and physical attitude as a coach, with a focus on defensive stability. During the team's victorious 1994 World Cup campaign, he used a 4–4–2 formation, with a strong back-line, and two defensive midfielders – Mauro Silva and Dunga – who won back the ball and distributed it to other players, helping his team control possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Carlos Alberto Parreira?
He is a legendary Brazilian manager known for winning the 1994 FIFA World Cup and managing the Saudi Arabia National Team. Although famous in the region, he never coached Al Nassr FC directly.
What role did Carlos Alberto Parreira play in Saudi football?
Parreira served as the head coach of the Saudi Arabia National Team, focusing on international competition and development. His contributions were significant for the national squad but separate from Al Nassr's club history.
What major titles did Carlos Alberto Parreira win before coming to the region?
He is globally recognized as one of the most successful managers in sports history, including leading Brazil to World Cup glory. This reputation preceded his arrival to manage the Saudi national team.
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