Fred Appointed Head Coach of Fortaleza’s U-18 Team

Fred, a prominent former striker for Fluminense and the Brazilian national team, has started his managerial career as the head coach of Fortaleza’s U-18 team, as reported by Extra. After retiring from playing and working as an executive, he is now focused on nurturing young talent.

“I am very happy to start this new chapter in my life within football. I thank God, Fortaleza, its great supporters, and especially Marcelo Paz for this opportunity to continue my passion for the game. I believe in the power of sport to change lives, just as it changed mine and my family’s. I hope to help shape new athletes not only tactically and technically but also as individuals,” Fred said during his introduction.

Fred has prepared well for this new role. He has obtained coaching Licenses A and B from the CBF Academy and is currently working towards a UEFA License. Prior to joining Fortaleza, he took a break from football after resigning as Fluminense’s director of sporting planning in 2024 for personal reasons. During his time in that role, he celebrated significant achievements, including winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores and the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana titles.

His playing career includes two Brazilian league titles (2010 and 2012), participation in two World Cups, and he is Fluminense’s all-time leading scorer with 199 goals. He is also the second-highest scorer in league history and the all-time points-era leader with 158 goals.

Fortaleza CEO Marcelo Paz expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment: “It is an honor to have a professional like Fred leading our U-18 team, which is a crucial part of our development process. He is a true idol of Brazilian football, with a successful career at Fluminense and with the national team, bringing experience, leadership, and technical skill.”