Renato Gaúcho: A Legend of Brazilian Football
Renato Portaluppi, better known as Renato Gaúcho, is an iconic figure in Brazilian football. Born on September 9, 1962, in Guaporé, Rio Grande do Sul, he built a remarkable career as both a player and a coach. As a right-winger, Renato won major titles and became known for his skill, charisma, and vibrant personality. As a coach, he continues to leave his mark, leading clubs like Fluminense, Grêmio, and Flamengo. This article explores Renato Gaúcho’s journey, highlighting his achievements, challenges, and legacy in Brazilian football.
Childhood and Early Football Career
Roots in Guaporé
Renato Portaluppi grew up in Guaporé, a small town in Rio Grande do Sul. From an early age, he showed a passion for football, playing on local streets and fields. His humble family supported his talent, and he began to stand out in regional tournaments. The nickname “Gaúcho” came from his southern roots, a term used for those born in Rio Grande do Sul.
First Steps at Esportivo
At 16, Renato joined Esportivo, a club in Bento Gonçalves, where he honed his skills as a right-winger. His speed, dribbling, and precise finishing soon caught the attention of Grêmio, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs. In 1980, he joined Grêmio’s youth academy, beginning a journey that would change his life.
Playing Career
Glory at Grêmio
Renato reached his peak as a player at Grêmio, becoming one of the club’s greatest idols. In 1983, he was pivotal in winning the Copa Libertadores, defeating Peñarol from Uruguay. That same year, Grêmio faced Hamburg from Germany in the Intercontinental Cup. Renato scored two goals in a 2-1 victory, securing the world title for Grêmio. This achievement cemented Grêmio’s status as a Brazilian football giant and elevated Renato to hero status.
Stints at Flamengo and Other Clubs
In 1987, Renato transferred to Flamengo, where he won the Brazilian Série A Championship. His skill and charisma won over the Flamengo fans. In 1988, he tried his luck in Europe, signing with Roma in Italy. However, the experience was frustrating due to adaptation issues and limited opportunities. Renato returned to Flamengo in 1989 and won the Copa do Brasil in 1990.
The King of Rio at Fluminense
One of the most memorable moments of Renato’s career came in 1995 with Fluminense. During the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, he scored an iconic “belly goal” against Flamengo, securing the title for Fluminense and earning him the nickname “King of Rio.” That same year, he led Fluminense to the semifinals of the Brazilian Championship, outshining stars like Romário (Flamengo), Túlio Maravilha (Botafogo), and Valdir Bigode (Vasco).
Brazilian National Team and Other Clubs
Renato played 41 matches for the Brazilian national team, scoring five goals. He was part of the squad that won the 1989 Copa América. However, his national team career had a controversial moment: in 1986, he was cut from the World Cup squad for indiscipline after arriving late to the team’s hotel. Before retiring at Bangu in 1999, Renato also played for clubs like Botafogo and Cruzeiro, always leaving his mark with brilliant goals and plays.
Transition to Coaching
Early Coaching Career
Renato began his coaching career while still a player, briefly managing Fluminense in 1996 during an injury recovery. His first official coaching role was in 2001 with Madureira. Between 2002 and 2003, he coached Fluminense in two stints, showing promise as a leader.
Vasco da Gama and Return to Fluminense
Between 2005 and 2007, Renato coached Vasco da Gama, earning respect for his motivational approach. In April 2007, he returned to Fluminense and achieved his first major coaching success: the Copa do Brasil. Despite this, challenges followed, including a loss in the 2008 Copa Libertadores final to LDU from Ecuador on penalties. He was sacked in August 2008 after poor results in the Brazilian Championship.
Establishing Himself as a Coach
Triumphant Return to Grêmio
Renato Gaúcho achieved his greatest coaching success at Grêmio. In 2010, he took over after Silas’ dismissal. Despite a rocky start, he led Grêmio to a fourth-place finish in the Brazilian Championship, securing a spot in the 2011 Copa Libertadores. The following season, however, was marked by early eliminations, and Renato left the club.
In 2016, Renato returned to Grêmio for his third stint as coach. This period solidified his legacy. In 2017, Grêmio won the Copa Libertadores, defeating Lanús from Argentina in the final. Renato became the only Brazilian to win the competition as both a player and a coach. He also led Grêmio to the Recopa Sudamericana and the Rio Grande do Sul State Championship in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024, becoming the coach with the most titles in the club’s history.
Flamengo and Challenges
In July 2021, Renato took over Flamengo, where he had previously shone as a player. He started with six consecutive victories, averaging four goals per game. Under his leadership, Flamengo reached the 2021 Copa Libertadores final but lost to Palmeiras. After the defeat, Renato left the club by mutual agreement.
Fluminense and the Club World Cup
In 2025, Renato was coaching Fluminense, transforming the team into a surprise contender in the Club World Cup. With victories over Inter Milan and Al-Hilal, Fluminense reached the semifinals, facing Chelsea. Renato highlighted the club’s strength despite financial limitations, calling Fluminense the “ugly duckling” among the tournament’s giants.
Coaching Style and Philosophy
Motivation and Squad Management
Renato is known for his ability to motivate players and manage egos. He fosters a positive environment, nurturing young talents and getting the best out of veterans. His approach is more intuitive than tactical, which draws criticism from some analysts, but his results speak for themselves.
Offensive Football
As a coach, Renato favors an attacking style, emphasizing wing play and freedom for forwards. He values possession but can adapt to defensive strategies in knockout competitions. His ability to adjust tactics in crucial matches was key to successes like the 2017 Libertadores.
Personality and Controversies
Charisma and Controversies
Renato Gaúcho is a charismatic yet polarizing figure. His extroverted personality and bold statements, such as comparing himself to Cristiano Ronaldo or commenting on his personal life, divide opinions. In 1985, during an interview, he jokingly dedicated flowers to the mothers of his national team colleagues, showcasing his irreverent humor.
Criticism for Lack of Tactical Study
Some critics argue that Renato relies too much on improvisation and lacks modern tactical study. He reinforces this image by saying, “Football is like riding a bike: if you know how, you know.” Nevertheless, his ability to lead teams in critical moments proves his competence.
Legacy in Brazilian Football
Eternal Idol at Grêmio
At Grêmio, Renato is a legend. His statue near the Grêmio Arena, unveiled in 2019, symbolizes his importance. He won the hearts of fans with titles and passion for the club.
King of Rio and Connection to Carioca Football
In Rio de Janeiro, Renato is remembered as the “King of Rio” for his 1995 belly goal. His ties to Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco reinforce his relevance in Rio’s football scene.
Cultural Impact
Beyond football, Renato influenced Brazilian culture with appearances in soap operas like Zazá (1997) and O Clone (2001). His charismatic persona and extravagant stories keep him a beloved and controversial public figure.
Conclusion
Renato Gaúcho is more than a player or coach: he is a symbol of Brazilian football. His journey, filled with achievements, challenges, and unforgettable moments, reflects the passion and unpredictability of the sport. As a player, he made history with decisive goals and world titles. As a coach, he continues to write his story, leading clubs with charisma and determination. Renato Portaluppi, the “King of Rio,” remains a living legend, inspiring generations of fans and players.
