Renato Portaluppi Leads Fluminense’s Stunning Rise to Club World Cup Semi-Finals
From Relegation Fears to Global Stage
Just three months ago, Fluminense were fighting to stay afloat in Brazil’s top league. Today, they’re preparing to face Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, a remarkable transformation credited to one man: Renato Portaluppi.
Known across Brazilian football as Renato Gaúcho, the 62-year-old coach has turned Fluminense into one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. With back-to-back knockout wins over Champions League runners-up Inter Milan and Saudi giants Al-Hilal, the Rio club is no longer an underdog story, they’re serious contenders.
A Coach Like No Other
Renato is as famous for his flair on the sidelines as he is for his colorful personality. He’s long been a polarizing figure in Brazilian football, admired for his confidence and criticized for his boldness. Once, he even claimed to be “better than Cristiano Ronaldo.”
His journey to the touchline began with a prolific playing career. As a striker, Renato scored nearly 200 goals and delivered some of Brazil’s most memorable moments. One of the most iconic came in 1995, when he scored the winning goal for Fluminense in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Romário’s Flamengo, sealing the Rio de Janeiro state title. The next day, he appeared on the front page of Brazil’s top newspaper wearing a crown, a ball in one hand and a scepter in the other, dubbed the “King of Rio.”
Building a Legacy
Renato first made his name with Grêmio, leading them to their first-ever Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup titles as a young star in the 1980s. Decades later, he returned as a coach to bring the Libertadores trophy home again in 2017, becoming the first Brazilian to win South America’s top club title both as a player and a manager.
But his career has never been short of controversy. He was dropped from Brazil’s 1986 World Cup squad after reportedly sneaking out of camp to party. Years later, while at Botafogo, he was dismissed for throwing a barbecue with Flamengo players after a crushing final loss.
Despite the drama, Renato has been a coaching force since 2000, thriving especially in knockout formats. While he’s never won the Brazilian league title, the one trophy missing from his resume, his ability to inspire under pressure has never been in doubt.
Fluminense’s New Identity
At Fluminense, Renato has implemented a high-energy, attacking 4-2-3-1 system that he calls “creating chaos.” The approach has brought results, and excitement, as the team pushed past heavyweights to reach the semi-finals in the United States.
Critics argue that Renato lacks tactical depth and improvises too often. He has also spoken out against the rising trend of foreign managers in Brazil, claiming that local coaches are given less time and trust. Still, his results speak for themselves.
Fluminense are playing with renewed confidence, urgency, and belief, qualities they’ll need as they face Premier League powerhouse Chelsea on Tuesday.
Eyes on the Prize
What once seemed impossible now feels within reach. Fluminense, once fighting relegation, are now two wins away from a Club World Cup title.
At the center of it all is Renato Portaluppi, still showman, still defiant, and still finding ways to win.