Fabinho Soldado He has done a positive job in the midst of a delicate political period at Corinthians. The leader of black and white football at the time left his post after winning the Brazilian Cup and the Parque São Jorge team quickly moved to replace him. It is about Marcelo Pazwith a history of recent achievements of Strength.
The year 2025, it is true, was tragic for Fortaleza. The club fought until the final round of the Brasileirão against relegation, but ended up seeing their relegation confirmed – alongside rivals Ceará (Juventude and Sport were already relegated). During the season, he still had to deal with off-the-field issues due to the fact that his wife, Jade Romero Paz, is the vice governor of the state, which caused many people to mix situations, i.e. politics and football.
Under the captaincy of Marcelo Paz, Fortaleza rose to prominence not only in national football, but also in continental football. Their titles speak for themselves. He was the manager who collected the most trophies while in charge of the north-east club. Highlights for Ceará’s fifth consecutive championship, between 2019 and 2023, Serie B in 2018 and Copa do Nordeste in 2019 and 2022.
Not only do its eight titles speak for themselves. Led by Paz, Fortaleza spent six consecutive seasons in Serie A, something unprecedented in the team’s history. Its best ranking was fourth place in 2024 (behind Botafogo, Palmeiras and Flamengo respectively). When talking about continental competitions, it is worth highlighting the round of 16 of the Libertadores and the 2023 South American runner-up.
In December 2023, he resigned as president of Fortaleza to become CEO of the club’s SAF. His departure was accompanied by the first vice-president, Geraldo Luciano, who will become president of the new management model.
This Saturday (27), Marcelo Paz wrote a farewell letter to Fortaleza. Check it out below:
tricolor family,
Today I am writing one of the most difficult and, at the same time, most peaceful messages of my professional life. After much reflection and dialogue with my family, I decided that it was time to say goodbye to the executive management of Fortaleza Esporte Clube.
Fortaleza was the biggest challenge of my professional life. Together, we transformed a club, raised its sporting, institutional and financial level, and placed our tricolor flag in the leading role that its history and its supporters have always deserved. It was eleven years of virtually uninterrupted dedication. I was present at nearly 800 matches, on site, following closely, whether in the smallest towns, Bombonera or Monumental de Nuñez.
Alongside a brilliant executive committee, we have been seven-time Ceará champions, Brazilian Championship Serie B champions and three-time Copa do Nordeste champions. We experienced unprecedented moments, such as the South American final, third place in the Brazilian Cup, fourth place in the Brasileirão in 2021 and 2024, and we achieved three placements for the Libertadores, reaching the round of 16 twice.
From an administrative point of view, we eliminated the club’s debts, saved Pici for Fortaleza, built a hotel, gyms and a modern athlete recovery center. We have also transformed the grassroots and women’s football, allowing CT Ribamar Bezerra to be fully operational. Fortaleza began to reveal players and attract talents that previously seemed very distant to us.
We also had a business revolution. We reached 60,000 members, expanded our network to more than 20 stores, including official and licensed, and signed the largest sponsorship deals in the history of Fortaleza. With the help of many good people, I have been voted the best CEO in Brazil and South America several times. More than a personal recognition, I see these achievements as a reflection of collective, serious and committed work.
I know that no long and intense journey like this escapes time. The club’s growth brought visibility, relevance and achievements, but it also began to require increasing efforts to resolve internal problems. A sign that the end of the cycle has arrived, and we must have the humility to recognize it.
I take with me pride, gratitude and the certainty of a duty accomplished. I think this is a good opportunity for other talents to take the lead in the club’s next steps, with courage and responsibility. Fortaleza remains strong, structured and prepared for new chapters.
I end by thanking God for having had the opportunity to lead my favorite club and for offering me so many graces. I also want to thank everyone who walked alongside me. Thank you to every employee, athlete, advisor, manager, business partner, fan and volunteer. Thanks to my family, who endured absences, tensions and resignations so that I could serve the club. Wherever I am, Fortaleza will be my eternal love.
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