Renato Paiva was announced this Wednesday (19) as the new coach of Santos Laguna, Liga MX club. The Portuguese coach has experience in Brazilian and Mexican football, having managed important teams in recent years. The signing comes at a time of restructuring for Santos Laguna, which finished the last edition of the Mexican championship as last placed.
Esta marks the return of Paiva to Mexican football. Anteriormente, the technician commanded León and Toluca, accumulating two cycles before this new chance. Sua’s trajectory at Brasil opened up space for this return to México, where he seeks to recover the team’s performance.
Recent Passagens in Brazilian football
Renato Paiva started his career with Brasil in 2023 with Bahia, leaving the club in September of the same year. In 2025, the coach went through Botafogo and Fortaleza. No Glorioso, became known nationally for commanding the victory against PSG in the Mundial final of Clubes, a moment that raised his prestige on the continent.
Antes to reach Brasil, the Portuguese coach had accumulated experience in South American competitions. Ele also coached Independiente of Valle, of Equador, consolidating his resume in different leagues.
Primeiros steps and professional history
Renato Paiva began his technical career at Benfica B, graduating from the Portuguese club’s academy. Sua’s progression led him to play in Latin American leagues, expanding his tactical vision. The history of working in different contexts reinforces your ability to adapt:
- Benfica B (initial training in a technical career)
- Independiente of Valle (Equador)
- León (México)
- Toluca (México)
- Bahia (Brasil)
- Botafogo (Brasil)
- Fortaleza (Brasil)
- Santos Laguna (México)
Desafio on Santos Laguna
Santos Laguna ended Liga MX’s previous season at the bottom, facing difficulties that resulted in the departure of the previous coaching staff. The arrival of Renato Paiva represents the board’s commitment to renewal and a change in the competitive level. The coach’s mission will be to reposition the club and move it away from the relegation zone.
The Mexican team seeks to take advantage of the experience accumulated by the new coach in different markets. The restructuring involves tactical and squad adjustments, a process in which Paiva will play a central role.
Contexto from Mexican football
Liga MX continues as a prominent competition in América of Norte, with a large following of fans. Clubes like León and Toluca, where Paiva worked before, have tradition and consolidated infrastructure. Santos Laguna, despite recent performance below expectations, remains a relevant institution in the competition.