Renato Gaúcho

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

The Maracanã roared as the ball struck the net, sending Renato Gaúcho into a sprint toward the corner flag. The stadium lights reflected off the rain-slicked pitch, illuminating the sea of red and black flags waving in unison. He pointed to his chest, then to the sky, a silent tribute to the fans who had carried him through every doubt. In that moment, the roar was not just for a goal, but for the realization that this striker had become an eternal part of Flamengo's soul.

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. In 1988, Renato moved abroad, signing with Roma, but 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 coached Fluminense, Vasco da Gama, Bahia, Grêmio, Atlético Paranaense, and Flamengo. He won the Brazilian Cup with Fluminense in 2007, and the Copa Libertadores as Grêmio coach in 2017. He also won the Recopa Sudamericana and Campeonato Gaúcho with Grêmio.

Did You Know?

• Renato was dropped from the 1986 World Cup squad for disciplinary reasons after returning past curfew with teammate Leandro.
• He scored twice in the 1983 Intercontinental Cup final for Grêmio against Hamburger SV.
• Renato promised to walk naked on Ipanema beach if Fluminense were relegated in 1996, which they were, but a match-fixing scandal canceled the relegation.
• He was the longest-serving manager in all four divisions of Brazilian football during his third spell at Grêmio.