Corinthians is actively pursuing Marcelo Paz, CEO of Fortaleza, to fill its vacant executive football director position. The move follows the recent cessation of negotiations with Bruno Spindel, who was previously considered the frontrunner for the role.
Paz has quickly emerged as the primary target for the São Paulo club’s board, solidifying his status as “Plan A” by Saturday, January 27, 2025, after Spindel withdrew from discussions. This push highlights the club’s urgency to secure a new leader for its football department.
The vacancy arose after Fabinho Soldado’s departure earlier this week, leaving a critical void in the club’s strategic planning. Corinthians aims to finalize the appointment of its new executive by the weekend, with an eye towards significant improvements for the 2026 season.
Marcelo Paz becomes Corinthians’ top target
Following the unexpected end of negotiations with Bruno Spindel, Marcelo Paz, the highly-regarded CEO of Fortaleza, has surged to the forefront as Corinthians’ leading candidate for the executive football director role. The club’s leadership is reportedly keen on swiftly appointing a new figure to guide its sports strategy.
Paz’s distinguished tenure at Fortaleza has significantly elevated the club’s profile, leading them to notable achievements such as Copa Libertadores appearances, a Copa Sudamericana final, and consistent strong finishes in the Brasileirão. His proven track record makes him an attractive prospect for the Parque São Jorge club.
Spindel’s swift exit sparks urgency
The discussions between Corinthians and Bruno Spindel, formerly a key executive at Flamengo, concluded abruptly. Spindel publicly stated that he had accepted a formal written offer from Corinthians but received no further communication or a contract for signing.
This lack of follow-up, described by Spindel as Corinthians’ “disappearance,” led him to formally end all negotiations. “Corinthians sent the formal written proposal, I didn’t ask for anything. The proposal was official from the club. I accepted, and then they didn’t advance on what they proposed,” Spindel informed a news outlet.
His decision, citing the absence of a timely formal contract, underscores a critical setback in Corinthians’ executive search. Spindel had been the favorite among a shortlist of candidates prior to this development.
Evaluating Paz’s potential impact
Marcelo Paz is widely considered a strong contender within Corinthians’ inner circles, primarily due to his transformative work at Fortaleza. His leadership has been credited with not only stabilizing the club but also propelling it to unprecedented levels of national and international competitiveness.
Under Paz’s guidance, Fortaleza successfully navigated crucial transitions, securing berths in prestigious tournaments like the Copa Libertadores and reaching the final of the Copa Sudamericana. These accomplishments are seen as vital indicators of his strategic vision and operational effectiveness.
The Corinthians board believes that Paz possesses the necessary expertise to replicate such success at a club of their stature. His ability to build competitive teams and foster sustainable growth aligns with the Timão’s long-term objectives for revitalizing its football department.
Discussions are ongoing, with a focus on integrating Paz’s strategic approach into Corinthians’ ambitious plans. The goal is to ensure the new executive can immediately begin shaping the club’s trajectory for future seasons, particularly targeting achievements by 2026.
Fabinho Soldado’s complex departure
Fabinho Soldado’s exit from the executive football director role was announced by Corinthians on Tuesday, January 23, 2025, merely two days after the club secured the Copa do Brasil title. This timing raised eyebrows, as Soldado had been integral to the team’s successes, having arrived from Flamengo in January 2024. He was directly involved in critical football decisions, including the squad assembly that ultimately led to the club’s impressive quadruple, culminating in the 2024 Copa do Brasil and Paulistão titles over rival Palmeiras.
Despite his significant contributions and positive relationship with the squad at CT Joaquim Grava, Soldado was not universally supported among Corinthians’ directors. Reports indicated resistance from individuals close to president Osmar Stabile. Furthermore, shortly after the Copa do Brasil victory, Soldado confirmed receiving an inquiry from Internacional, which is now anticipated to be his next career move, underscoring the complexities behind his “mutual agreement” departure.
Strategic goals for the 2026 season
Corinthians has been diligently working to fill the critical executive football director position since Fabinho Soldado’s departure, a vacancy that became official on January 23, 2025. The initial shortlist included Bruno Spindel and Alessandro Brito from Botafogo, alongside Marcelo Paz. The club’s leadership is committed to securing a new executive swiftly, ideally by the end of the current weekend, recognizing the pivotal role this individual will play in orchestrating the team’s long-term strategy and strengthening its competitive standing for the 2026 season and beyond. This aggressive timeline reflects the club’s determination to maintain momentum and ensure continuity in its football operations amidst ongoing changes.
Broader executive search considerations
While Marcelo Paz currently holds the top spot, the Corinthians board had also considered Alessandro Brito from Botafogo, indicating a thorough search for the right profile. The club’s focus remains on finding a leader capable of delivering sustained success and strategic growth.
