Gaúcho

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Lore & Background

Formerly a right winger, Renato is known for his wins at the Intercontinental Cup in 1983 as a player for Grêmio, his two Copa Libertadores (one as Grêmio player in 1983 and one in 2017 as Grêmio coach), his 1989 Copa América as player for Brazil, and mainly being known for 'Rei do Rio' (King of Rio de Janeiro). When in the heat of Brazilian national soccer, he won the Campeonato Carioca of 1995 and won the prize given by the press for being the MVP in the championship and giving the title to Fluminense when beating some of the best Brazilian players at the time, Romário (Flamengo), Túlio Maravilha (Botafogo), Valdir Bigode (Vasco).

In Their Own Story

Renato's story with Flamengo is one of triumphant returns and national dominance. Following his departure from Grêmio in 1987, he instantly contributed to a Brasileirão Série A title win for the red-and-black side. The following year, seeking new horizons, he signed with Roma, but the Italian season was marred by difficulties, leading to his swift return to Flamengo. This decision paid dividends immediately, as he helped secure the Copa do Brasil in 1990. His relationship with the club was cyclical and strong; he returned multiple times throughout his career. By the time he concluded his playing days at Bangu, his legacy at Flamengo was quantified by four separate passages. In total, he donned the shirt for 210 matches, finding the back of the net 64 times. These numbers reflect a player who was not just a transient star but a consistent goal-scorer and title-winner who helped define an era of Brazilian football alongside his later legendary status as 'King of Rio'.

Reader's Guide

Renato started his career in Esportivo in Bento Gonçalves. He was later signed with Grêmio, where in 1983 he won the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup. In 1987, he moved to Flamengo and won the Brasileirão Série A in the same year. Then, in 1988, Renato moved abroad, signing with Roma. He returned to Flamengo after one disappointing season, in time to win the Copa do Brasil in 1990. Renato's career in Fluminense is associated with his 'belly goal' in the 1995 Campeonato Carioca final against Flamengo. He played again for Flamengo before his retirement in Bangu, totaling 210 games and 64 goals for the red and black team. As a manager, he has coached Fluminense, Vasco da Gama, Bahia, Grêmio, Atlético Paranaense, and Flamengo, among others.

Did You Know?

• Renato was dropped from the 1986 World Cup squad for disciplinary reasons after returning past curfew with teammate Leandro.
• He won the Copa do Brasil as a manager with Fluminense in 2007.
• Renato scored twice in the 1983 Intercontinental Cup for Grêmio.
• He has a statue of him inaugurated near the Arena do Grêmio in March 2019.