Marcelo Paz officially stepped into his new role as Corinthians’ executive director of football, making his inaugural public statement to the club’s passionate fanbase and the media. Taking over the position previously held by Fabinho Soldado, the former Fortaleza executive outlined a clear commitment to integrity and hard work.
Paz, whose appointment was recently announced, conveyed a message of dedication to steering the team toward a future defined by sound management and strategic choices. His initial address focused on fostering responsibility within the organization.
The executive emphasized a deep respect for the club’s storied history while looking forward to a period of consistent growth and stability. He aims to embed principles of diligence and accountability throughout Corinthians’ operations.
Commitment to responsible leadership
Paz articulated a steadfast pledge to the Corinthians project, promising “much work” alongside an unwavering commitment and a high degree of responsibility. His statements underscored a desire to be deeply involved in shaping the club’s trajectory towards sustainable success.
He articulated a vision where Corinthians is guided by effective governance, thoughtful decision-making, and a persistent adherence to responsibility. This approach, he noted, will consistently honor the magnificent legacy that the São Paulo club embodies for millions of supporters.
Paz’s extensive background at Fortaleza
Marcelo Paz brings a wealth of experience from his 11-year tenure at Fortaleza Esporte Clube, where he significantly contributed to the club’s modern success. His journey with the Leão do Pici began as director of football, a role he held from 2015 to 2017, establishing a foundation for future achievements.
Following his impactful stint as football director, Paz transitioned to become the president of the club in 2017, navigating Fortaleza through a pivotal period of growth and development. Under his leadership, the club achieved unprecedented milestones, including ascending through divisions and reaching international competitions.
His strategic insight and administrative prowess culminated in his appointment as CEO of Fortaleza SAF in 2023, where he continued to spearhead innovative management practices. This comprehensive experience across various executive roles at Fortaleza is expected to be invaluable in his new challenge at Corinthians.
Forging a brilliant and sustainable future
Each step taken under his direction, Paz assured, will be executed with immense seriousness, meticulous planning, and an unwavering focus on long-term objectives. The overarching goal remains to construct a Corinthians that embodies a brilliant, formidable, and inherently sustainable future, capable of enduring and thriving for generations.
Paz’s strategy involves creating robust administrative frameworks and fostering an environment of continuous improvement across all departments. This systematic approach is designed to fortify the club’s foundations, ensuring stability both on and off the field.
He underlined the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure, youth development, and player acquisition, all carefully aligned with the club’s financial health. The executive aims to build a resilient operational model that can withstand external pressures and consistently deliver positive results.
Connecting with the Fiel Torcedor
Marcelo Paz directly addressed the “Fiel Torcedor,” Corinthians’ loyal and passionate fanbase, asserting that their dedication will be central to his efforts. “Alongside you, Fiel Torcedor,” he stated, “we will work immensely to continue being the club that brings joy and honors its passionate supporters.”
This commitment highlights a strategic emphasis on maintaining a strong bond with the fanbase, recognizing their critical role in the club’s identity and success. He acknowledged the profound emotional connection fans have with Corinthians, promising to uphold the values that resonate most deeply with them. Paz’s words sought to reassure supporters of his dedication to delivering results that reflect their unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm for the club.
The road ahead for Corinthians’ executive director
Taking charge of Corinthians’ football operations presents Marcelo Paz with a multifaceted array of immediate and long-term challenges. His agenda will likely include a comprehensive assessment of the existing football department, identifying areas for immediate improvement, and implementing structural changes to enhance efficiency. Integrating his strategic vision for “management, good decisions, and responsibility” into a club of Corinthians’ scale and passionate demands will require astute leadership. Furthermore, managing expectations from a highly engaged fanbase while navigating the complexities of player transfers, contract negotiations, and maintaining competitive performance across multiple competitions in the 2026 season will be paramount to his success.
Looking towards 2026 and beyond
Paz concluded his initial address with a forward-looking message, expressing optimism for the upcoming year and beyond. “Count on me, happy 2026, and go, Corinthians!” he declared, signaling a clear intention to immediately immerse himself in the club’s projects. This positive outlook aims to inspire confidence among players, staff, and supporters as the club transitions into a new administrative era under his guidance. The commitment to a “happy 2026” underscores his immediate focus on achieving significant progress.
Strategic challenges for the new era
Corinthians faces competitive pressure from rival clubs and the constant need to balance financial stability with on-field ambition. Paz’s experience in building a strong, sustainable club at Fortaleza will be crucial in navigating these dynamics.
His leadership will be tested in decisions regarding squad restructuring, youth academy integration, and adapting to modern football methodologies. The club’s historical prominence and fervent fanbase demand consistent high performance, adding layers of complexity to his new role.