Former Brazilian defender Dante Bonfim Costa Santos will begin his career as a coach at the club where he enjoyed great moments as a player. Bayern Munich announced this week the hiring of the 42-year-old professional to lead the reserve team, also known as Bayern II. The change marks the end of his career on the pitch after last season with Nice, in France.
Dante played for Bayern Munich between 2012 and 2016. During this period, he played 133 games and won important titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2013. He also lifted Bundesliga trophies in several editions. Now, the return takes place in a new role, with the aim of developing young talents at the Bavarian club.
Dante highlights Bayern board’s confidence
The Brazilian expressed gratitude for the opportunity granted by Bayern Munich management. In a statement published by the club, he mentioned the desire to support athletes in the transition to professional football. Dante emphasized his enthusiasm for the new challenge in the family atmosphere of the Allianz Arena.
“I want to thank the board for the trust they placed in me,” said the former player. He added that his coaching staff and he intend to work in an integrated manner with the entire Bayern structure. The main focus will be to prepare young people for greater demands in the future.
- The under-23 team competes in the Regionalliga Bayern
- Dante replaces the previous coach in charge
- Contract has an initial duration of three years
- The Brazilian became Brazil’s first coach in the history of the reserve team
Prominent career in Europe before retirement
Before hanging up his boots, Dante spent the last decade at Nice. He has played 329 games for the French club and served as captain in several seasons. The defender also had spells at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Standard Liège and Wolfsburg, which reinforces his experience in German and European football.
At 42 years old, he faced physical limitations in the final stretch of his career, but maintained his presence on the field. The decision to retire came after the end of the 2025/26 season in Ligue 1. Bayern took advantage of the moment to bring him back and start the training project.
Return eleven years later strengthens ties with the club
Dante’s time as a player at Bayern coincided with a successful era. In addition to the Champions League, he contributed to national and international achievements. The club sees him as an ideal profile to transmit values and knowledge to youth players.
His arrival comes at a time of planning for the upcoming seasons. The reserve team serves as a bridge between the lower categories and the main squad. Dante arrives with a UEFA Pro license and a clear vision for athlete development.
Expectations for work at the Bavarian base
The Brazilian coach knows Bayern’s culture and demands well. His experience as captain and leader on the field should help with tactical and motivational guidance for young players. The club is betting on the continuity of a model that has already trained several professionals for the main team.
Dante officially begins work in July, in line with the 2026/27 season calendar. The board is closely monitoring his adaptation to his new role. The initial focus includes integration with the training department and analysis of available athletes.
The move reinforces Bayern’s strategy of valuing names with history at the club. Dante represents this bridge between the base’s glorious past and promising future. His trajectory inspires young people who dream of following similar steps on European pitches.