Sport Club Corinthians Paulista has officially confirmed the appointment of Marcelo Paz as the club`s new Executive of Football. The move signifies a major administrative shift for the São Paulo giant, as Paz steps into the role previously held by Fabinho Soldado.
Paz, widely respected for his transformative tenure at Fortaleza Esporte Clube—where he served as CEO—arrives at the Timão with a mandate to implement systemic and strategic reforms across the organization. This appointment comes after a period of intense speculation and a rapid administrative pivot by the Corinthians board.
The Unexpected Pivot: Securing the Top Executive
The announcement of Paz followed a brief but dramatic executive search. Initially, the former Flamengo executive, Bruno Spindel, was positioned as the primary candidate. However, negotiations with Spindel reportedly collapsed after disagreements arose concerning the finalization of contract terms, illustrating the complex and often fluid nature of elite football management appointments.
Paz’s acquisition is particularly notable given his recent recommitment to Fortaleza. Just weeks prior, in early December, Fortaleza had confirmed his continued role as CEO of their SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol). The financial and strategic gravity of the Corinthians offer, however, proved compelling enough to trigger his departure from the Ceará club.
The Mandate: Modern Management and Integration
Corinthians has outlined clear objectives for its new executive. Paz’s responsibilities will center on strengthening internal operational processes, executing strategic planning, and, critically, ensuring seamless integration between the celebrated youth academy and the senior professional squad.
Osmar Stabile, President of Corinthians, emphasized the long-term importance of the acquisition, stating: “The signing of Marcelo Paz represents a vital step in our project to restructure and strengthen Corinthians football. He is a recognized professional with a modern vision of management and proven leadership capability.”
Paz expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, focusing on performance and unity. He highlighted his commitment to delivering “excellence” by uniting the squad, the technical commission, and the fierce loyalty of the fanbase, the Fiel Torcida.
Marcelo Paz: A Technical Review of the Fortaleza Transformation
Marcelo Paz’s appeal lies directly in his exceptional track record. When he assumed the presidency of Fortaleza in 2017, the club was languishing in the third tier of Brazilian football, Série C. What followed was a stunning and methodical ascent that serves as a case study in modern sports management.
Under his leadership, Fortaleza transformed into a consistent national and continental competitor. The club achieved promotion by winning the Série B title in 2018. They secured the Copa do Nordeste multiple times and established a historic run of five consecutive State Championships (2019 to 2023). This period of sustained success is a testament to strategic recruitment, financial stability, and long-term planning.
Furthermore, Paz oversaw Fortaleza’s emergence onto the continental stage. The club participated in the Copa Sudamericana for the first time in 2020 and made history by reaching the final in 2023. They also secured qualification for the prestigious Copa Libertadores group stage in 2022. This consistent ability to compete at the highest level resulted in Paz being voted the best Football Club CEO in Brazil and South America in 2024.
Key Achievements Under Paz’s Leadership at Fortaleza (2017-2024):
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série B Title: 2018
- Copa do Nordeste Titles: 2019, 2022, 2024
- Cearense State Championship (Pentacampeonato): 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (Part of a Heptacampeonato period)
- Continental Finalist: Copa Sudamericana 2023
Corinthians is acquiring not just an executive, but a proven architect of institutional success. The expectation is that Paz will apply the same methodical, results-driven approach that resurrected Fortaleza, bringing stability and modernization to one of Brazil’s most demanding football environments.
