Atlético-MG legend steps down as director after four years | OneFootball

Atlético-MG officially announced on Monday the departure of Victor Bagy from the leadership of the football department. A historic idol of the team and a key figure in some of the club's greatest achievements, the former goalkeeper decided not to renew his contract, which is valid until December 31, and will end his off-field cycle after four years in Atlético's management.

According to the statement released by Galo, it was Victor himself who chose not to open negotiations to remain in the position in 2026. The club thanked the former player “for his dedication and professionalism” and wished him success in the continuation of his career.

Victor began his journey off the field in 2021, working as a football manager and being the main support for Rodrigo Caetano during Atlético's most successful recent period, marked by winning the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Campeonato Mineiro that year. In February 2024, with Caetano's departure to the CBF, he was promoted to the position of football director.

As head of the department, Victor signed major signings and led the restructuring of the squad. His decisions included bringing in coach Gabriel Milito, who led the team to the finals of the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil in 2024, and the return of coach Cuca at the beginning of 2025. He also handled the management's most expensive negotiation: the purchase of forward Júnior Santos, who did not perform as expected, scoring only two goals in 28 games.

The 2025 season, however, marked a decline in performance. Atlético finished only in 11th place in the Brasileirão, was eliminated by Cruzeiro in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil, and lost the Copa Sudamericana title on penalties to Lanús. Amid fan pressure and the first management changes in the SAF, Victor's future began to be questioned, and his departure was already expected behind the scenes.

As a player, Victor was one of the greatest names in Atlético's history. Between 2012 and 2021, he played 424 games, won eight titles, including the 2013 Libertadores, where he became a symbol of the campaign with decisive saves, and earned the nickname “Santo” from the fans.

Without a defined replacement, Atlético is expected to announce the new football director in the coming weeks, before the start of the 2026 season.

Read Atlético-MG's full statement:

“Victor Bagy will not continue as Atlético's Football Director.

With a contract until December 31, the idol, after a conversation with Rafael Menin and Paulo Bracks, understood that he should not open the possibility of renewal and continuation of the work.

Atlético greatly thanks the eternal goalkeeper Victor and all his dedication during his time in management and the Football Directorate, wishing him much success in his personal and professional life.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.