Fortaleza is one of Brazil’s most traditional soccer teams, with a rich history full of remarkable moments. Founded in 1918, the Ceará club has won countless titles and trained talented players thanks to its spectacular coaches.
Throughout its history, Fortaleza has had the honor of being led by some of the best coaches in Brazil and the world. Each of these professionals has brought their own vision, strategy and passion to the club, which is why we’ve put together a list of the 20 best coaches in Fortaleza’s history!
Find out all about their titles won over the years, curiosities from their careers, life stories and much more. Check it out!
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The 20 best coaches in Fortaleza’s history: complete list
- Hélio dos Anjos
- Antônio Lopes
- Lula Pereira
- Marcelo Chamusca
- Rogério Ceni
- Marquinhos Santos
- Ferdinando Teixeira
- Juan Pablo Vojvoda
- Zé Teodoro
- Flávio Araújo
- Estevam Soares
- Nedo Xavier
- Charles Fabian
- Pedro Rocha
- Danilo Augusto
- Valdir Espinosa
- Paulo Bonamigo
- Hemerson Maria
- Ricardo Gomes
- Geninho
The 20 best coaches in Fortaleza’s history: find out more about the players
1. Hélio dos Anjos
- Titles: Cearense Championship (1995, 1996)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Known for his ability to motivate players and build competitive teams.
- Life Story: A former player, Hélio dos Anjos has made a name for himself as a coach on the national stage, working for several Brazilian clubs.
2. Antônio Lopes
- Titles: Copa do Nordeste (1997)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: With vast experience in Brazilian soccer, Antônio Lopes was also a police chief.
- Life Story: He managed major clubs and the Brazilian national team, and was known by the nickname “Delegado”.
3. Lula Pereira
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2000, 2001)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Considered one of the most charismatic coaches in the Northeast.
- Life Story: A former defender, he had outstanding spells as a coach at various Brazilian clubs.
4. Marcelo Chamusca
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2015)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: First coach to win the Brazilian Championship with three different clubs.
- Life Story: Born in Salvador, Chamusca has had a growing career, standing out on the northeastern scene.
5. Rogério Ceni
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (2018), Copa do Nordeste (2019), Campeonato Cearense (2019, 2020)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: A goalkeeping legend at São Paulo, Ceni made his coaching debut at Fortaleza.
- Life Story: Known as “M1TO”, he had one of the most successful careers as a player before starting his coaching career.
6. Marquinhos Santos
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2016)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: A young coach who has quickly made a name for himself in Brazilian soccer.
- Life story: Having come up through the youth ranks at Coritiba, Marquinhos Santos has done a consistent job at Fortaleza.
7. Ferdinando Teixeira
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2005)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Known for his disciplined and tactical work.
- Life Story: He has managed several clubs in the Northeast and is a respected figure in the region.
8. Juan Pablo Vojvoda
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2021, 2022), Northeast Cup (2022)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Argentinian coach who quickly won over the Tricolor fans.
- Life Story: A former defender, he began his coaching career in Argentina and became successful in Brazil.
9. Zé Teodoro
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2009, 2010)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Former right-back, known for his grassroots work.
- Life Story: He has played for several Brazilian clubs, always with a focus on developing young talent.
10. Flávio Araújo
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2014)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: A specialist in accesses, known as the “King of Access”.
- Life Story: Born in Ceará, he has had an established career in northeastern soccer.
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11. Estevam Soares
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2007)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Experienced coach, with spells at various clubs in Brazil.
- Life Story: A former defender, he began his coaching career in the 90s.
12. Nedo Xavier
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2010)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Known for his disciplinarian style and focus on results.
- Life Story: He played for a number of smaller clubs before rising to prominence at Fortaleza.
13. Charles Fabian
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2004)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: A former player for Bahia and the Brazilian national team, he began his coaching career in the Northeast.
- Life Story: As a player, he had an outstanding career at Bahia, where he is an idol.
14. Pedro Rocha
- Titles: Cearense Championship (1999)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Former Uruguayan player, known for his refined technique.
- Life Story: A São Paulo legend as a player, he had a short career as a coach.
15. Danilo Augusto
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2013)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: A young coach who quickly made a name for himself at the club.
- Life story: Formed in Fortaleza’s youth ranks, he knew the club well.
16. Valdir Espinosa
- Titles: Cearense Championship (1998)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Experienced coach, world champion with Grêmio.
- Life Story: He marked his time in Brazilian soccer with successful spells at various clubs.
17. Paulo Bonamigo
- Titles: Cearense Championship (2006)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Known for his tactical work and defensive organization.
- Life Story: A former player, he had a consolidated career as a coach in Brazil.
18. Hemerson Maria
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro Série C (2013, with Joinville, but had spells with Fortaleza)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Known for his passion and energy on the pitch.
- Life Story: With spells at various clubs, Maria is respected for his work with youth and professional teams.
19. Ricardo Gomes
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (2016, with Vasco, but had spells with Fortaleza)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: A former defender for the Brazilian national team, Ricardo Gomes is known for his calm and strategic profile.
- Life Story: After a successful career as a player, he became a respected coach in Brazilian and international soccer.
20. Geninho
- Titles: Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (2001, with Atlético Paranaense, but had spells with Fortaleza)
- Team: Fortaleza Esporte Clube
- Fun facts: Experienced coach who has played for several Brazilian clubs, always leaving his mark.
- Life Story: As a coach, Geninho is known for his ability to build competitive and organized teams.
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The 20 best coaches in Fortaleza’s history: complete list
- Hélio dos Anjos
- Antônio Lopes
- Lula Pereira
- Marcelo Chamusca
- Rogério Ceni
- Marquinhos Santos
- Ferdinando Teixeira
- Juan Pablo Vojvoda
- Zé Teodoro
- Flávio Araújo
- Estevam Soares
- Nedo Xavier
- Charles Fabian
- Pedro Rocha
- Danilo Augusto
- Valdir Espinosa
- Paulo Bonamigo
- Hemerson Maria
- Ricardo Gomes
- Geninho
That was the list of the 20 best coaches in Fortaleza’s history! Since you’ve made it this far, take the opportunity to continue checking out our content on soccer and many other sports!
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