Against All Odds, Fluminense Charges into Club World Cup Semis
And then there was one. Not many believed a Brazilian club would break into the Club World Cup semi-finals—and certainly not Fluminense. After clinching the Copa Libertadores title in 2023, the team barely dodged relegation and has cycled through four managers in under two years.
But today, they're led by the ever-charismatic Renato Gaúcho, who captured hearts early in the tournament by declaring, “It’s not about the price tag, it’s about what happens on the field.” A fierce advocate for Brazilian football, Renato has urged fans to ignore the glitz of Europe and take pride in their own. He’s been rallying Fluminense supporters to outshine rivals Flamengo, Botafogo, and Palmeiras, boldly saying, “Wear the Fluminense shirt everywhere—on the beach, walking the dog, in the mall. Be proud!”
Known in the '80s and '90s as a rockstar of Brazilian football, Renato has long fought off critics who dismissed his managerial potential due to his infamous party-boy image. Carlos Eduardo Mansur, a journalist with Globoesporte, explains that people questioned whether someone so in love with the nightlife could ever command authority.
Despite guiding Fluminense to a Copa Libertadores final in 2008, Renato seemed destined to become just another “market manager”—a coach constantly switching clubs without really being taken seriously. When Brazil collapsed 7-1 against Germany in the 2014 World Cup, the football federation pushed for advanced coaching education. Renato mocked the idea, choosing beach days and cold beers over study time. “Those who need to learn, study. I’m already on vacation,” he joked, feeding his doubters.
Yet somewhere along the line, something changed.
Today’s Renato is obsessed with the game. “Those close to him now say he watches football non-stop and is completely dedicated,” says Mansur. His focus is so sharp it’s annoying his own family—he even skipped a Miami dinner with his daughter to analyze Fluminense’s potential knockout-stage opponents. “They think I don’t study, but tactics are what I know best,” he fired back after their huge win over Inter.
While Renato’s teams have always leaned toward free-flowing attack, what’s shocking in this tournament is how defensively solid Fluminense has become. “He’s not a rigid system guy,” Mansur notes. “He gives freedom to flair players, but this time his squad is tactically disciplined and tight.”
The backbone of this newfound structure? Two ageless warriors: 44-year-old goalkeeper Fábio and 40-year-old Thiago Silva. Together, they've limited opponents to just four goals in five matches. Silva, especially, has been a revelation. During a cooling break against Inter, the veteran center-back took charge, dishing out tactical orders and reconfiguring formations—leading to a 2-0 win.
While critics say Renato should’ve taken command, others applaud his man-management genius. As a former star himself, he knows when to let leaders lead. In this, he's being compared to Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. “He’s a master at locker-room leadership, calling players out publicly when needed, but always keeping the room together,” says Mansur.
Letting Silva lead proved genius. His pre-match speech against Inter has since gone viral. Nearly in tears, Silva shared the painful memory of losing his stepfather while playing for PSG, expressing the regret of not visiting him in the hospital. “Don’t wait. Give it everything, right now. Play with joy and responsibility, because time doesn’t wait,” he told teammates.
Having conquered titles in Italy, France, and England, Silva remains one of the greatest centre-backs of his generation. He’ll turn 41 in September, but there’s rising belief that he can anchor Brazil’s defense at the next World Cup under Ancelotti. “Since his return, Fluminense’s defense has leveled up. Guys like Ignácio and Freytes have massively improved beside him,” Mansur observes.
Physical strain and age are concerns, but Silva’s leadership, experience, and tactical awareness still make him elite. And Renato is leading the campaign to see him return in Brazil’s national colors. “Watching Thiago Silva play is pure joy. He leads, he commands, and it’s a privilege to coach him. He’s still national team material, no question,” Renato declared.
The upcoming semi-final clash against Chelsea will be personal for Silva. After four solid years at Stamford Bridge, he won the Champions League and the 2021 Club World Cup, defeating Palmeiras in the final. But helping **Fluminense—his boyhood club—**win the newly-expanded Club World Cup? That would be something else entirely. “One more. Just two left. It’s not over,” Silva told Renato after their 2-1 quarter-final victory over Al-Hilal.
As they prepare to face Chelsea, Fluminense once again embrace their role as underdogs—just as they did against Dortmund, Inter, and even Al-Hilal, who famously knocked out Manchester City. “Chelsea may have deeper pockets and more stars, but Fluminense has heart, organization, and key difference-makers,” says Mansur. With Fábio in form, a rock-solid defense, and Jhon Arias dazzling in attack, Fluminense might just have enough to shock the world again.
“They’re not the favorites—but don’t count them out. Not now. Not after all this.”
Description:
"Fluminense defy the odds to reach the Club World Cup semi-finals under charismatic coach Renato Gaúcho. Backed by legends Thiago Silva and Fábio, the Brazilian underdogs blend passion, tactical discipline, and leadership to challenge global football giants."