Official: Brazilian giants Grêmio hire Portuguese boss Luís Castro | OneFootball

Castro with Botafogo (Image: Getty Images)

Ahead of the 2026 Brazilian season, another one of the country’s major clubs have turned to a Portuguese coach to lead them in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Rio Grande do Sul outfit Grêmio announced the departure of experienced manager Mano Menezes following the culmination of the Serie A campaign and a 9th placed finish. On Friday, Luís Castro was announced as his successor on a two-year contract until the end of 2027, with the option of a further year.

“It is with a feeling of great happiness that I announce my next challenge: coaching the Immortal Tricolor,” Castro said in a statement posted online. “Grêmio has a rich and inspiring history, and I am very honored to represent a club of such great prestige and stature. Together we will continue the journey with dignity and respect.”

Castro returns to Brazil having impressed many in the country during a 15-month spell in charge of Botafogo. When Castro left the Rio de Janeiro club in July 2023 to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, Botafogo were in pole position to win Brasileirão, only to falter after his departure under countryman Bruno Lage.

Castro’s coaching team has already been decided: trusted assistants Vítor Severino and Pedro Mané, goalkeeping coach Daniel Correia, performance analyst Nuno Baptista and physical trainers Nuno Cerdeira and Roberto Júnior (Betinho). Only the latter, who is from Brazil, is a non-Portuguese staff member.

Scolari welcomes Castro

The 64-year-old has already been welcomed to the club by Technical Director and one of Grêmio’s most iconic former coaches: Luiz Felipe Scolari. The veteran manager has led Grêmio on four different occasions, winning both the league title and the South American Copa Libertadores during a glorious spell in charge in the mid-1990s.

“Hi Luís, best regards and all the best. Come to Imortal, we are a fierce, strong, vibrant fan base that helps our team win. Come and you will be well received, as I was in Portugal, our Portugal. Come with your staff, know that we are waiting for you with open arms. Our Imortal welcomes you with affection and will give you all the support you need. We are ready to welcome you with chimarrão, barbecue... Get ready! Best regards!” Scolari said in a video.

The club nicknamed Imortal Tricolo have endured a forgettable last couple of years in Serie A, finishing 14th and 9th in the table in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Grêmio ended the last campaign with 9 players out injured, with several expected to remain on the sidelines during the early stages of the State Championships, which begin next month.

By Sean Gillen