Former Corinthians Director Alessandro Rules Out Return to Football
Idol of the club says his focus is now on family: “The chance is zero”
One of the most decorated figures in Corinthians history, former right-back Alessandro made it clear over the weekend: he has no plans to return to football, not even in a managerial or administrative role. The statement came after his participation in the Corinthians Legends vs. Boca Juniors Legends friendly at the Pacaembu stadium.
Now living a quiet life in his hometown, the 45-year-old says he’s fully committed to family and no longer envisions himself in the high-pressure world of professional football.
See also
“Today I’m living another life, in my hometown, taking care of my family. I have no intention of returning to football. Any invitation that comes my way, you can be sure that I’ll be deeply grateful, but the chance is zero,” Alessandro told ge.
Career After Retirement
After hanging up his boots, Alessandro began working behind the scenes at Timão in 2014, invited by Edu Gaspar to be a football coordinator. He later became football director, a role in which he oversaw title-winning campaigns in Brasileirão 2015 and 2017, and Paulistão 2017 and 2018.
In 2021, he returned to the club under Duilio Monteiro Alves’ administration, but this second stint was less successful and eventually led to his decision to step away from football entirely.
“I didn’t get any offers, just some inquiries. But I’m not mentally in football anymore,” he added.
Legendary Career at Corinthians
Alessandro is revered as one of the greatest captains in Corinthians history. Between 2008 and 2013, he made 258 appearances, collecting 12 titles, including the 2012 Libertadores and FIFA Club World Cup, the 2011 and 2013 Brasileirão, and three state titles. Before that, he had stints at Flamengo, Palmeiras, Dynamo Kyiv, Cruzeiro, Grêmio, and Santos.
Corinthians Legends vs. Boca Legends
On Saturday (July 5), Alessandro reunited with former teammates and rivals in a commemorative match that ended 1-1. The game marked the anniversary of Corinthians’ 2012 Libertadores title over Boca Juniors. Former players Fábio Santos and Mouche scored the goals.
Before kickoff, coach Tite gave a passionate and professional pre-match talk, reflecting the seriousness with which he and the players approached the event.
“Tite treated it like a real match — that’s in his DNA. When he saw the fans in the stands, he knew we had to honor that. Commitment, dedication, and respect for Corinthians — that’s what he asked of us,” said Alessandro.
