São Paulo will have new management positions with the return of an acquaintance, but in a different role. The club announced this Monday (26/01), that Rafinha will be São Paulo’s new sports manager.
Is it true that Rafinha will be São Paulo’s sports manager?
Rafinha, currently 40 years old, has been retired from the field since July last year and made history for São Paulo, winning the 2023 Copa do Brasil and the 2024 Super Cup. He played for Tricolor from 2022 to 2024 and made 117 appearances for the club.
Rafinha’s initial idea was not to act as a manager. The former player’s desire was to join a technical committee, as a coach or assistant. Even so, São Paulo’s offer swayed and the former player was willing to help with the club’s complicated situation.
The former full-back will replace Muricy Ramalho, who was responsible for football coordination. The former coach underwent knee surgery, which he will have to undergo a new procedure and did not want to take a leave of absence from his position, opting to resign.
Rafinha’s mission will be to act as a bridge between players, coaching staff and management. During Sportv’s “Seleção” program, the now former Globo commentator announced his move to São Paulo.
With the invitation accepted, Rafinha is no longer an employee of Grupo Globo.
– I’ve had these conversations for some time. São Paulo, of all the big clubs, is the only one that is not just looking at football, around everything that is happening off the field. Once again, when I announced my retirement, I am coming to say goodbye again, which is a challenge for me – he stated.
– I was born into football, I like being in this environment, and when São Paulo calls me it’s a call-up. I will be the link between the coaching staff and the board, I will be with the players on a daily basis, during training and travel. Everyone knows the affection I have for São Paulo. I’m prepared to come back and help again – he added.
MORE: Cartola 2026: how it works, scoring, registration and prices of the main stars
