“Marítimo is Madeira and Madeira is Marítimo” – club president Carlos André Gomes | OneFootball

Marítimo’s return to the top flight sparked huge celebrations among their fans in Madeira

In 2023, Carlos André Gomes won a snap presidential election in convincing fashion, months after CS Marítimo were relegated from Liga Portugal for the first time in almost 40 years.

Upon taking office, Gomes proclaimed on RTP Madeira: “From today, there is only one Marítimo; there are no factions within the club.”

The priority was clear, and on the pitch of the Caldeirão (the nickname of the Estádio de Marítimo meaning the ‘Cauldron’) after the islanders were confirmed as champions of Liga Portugal 2, Gomes reflected upon what had been outlined and promised, in the company of Sport TV journalists: “We set out with the aim of getting Marítimo back into the first division, and we succeeded.”

Title celebrations

“From the very start, we knew what we were here for. We had a clear goal and we stayed focused on achieving it every step of the way. Today, that’s exactly how I feel: a job well done.”

When asked about the difficulties faced throughout his mandate, Gomes was dismissive: “I don’t look back. We had a goal and we laid a solid foundation to achieve it. We succeeded, and that’s what matters most.”

Gomes equally brushed off praise of the job he and his board have done, concluding: “Marítimo is much bigger than any executive.”

More than just a sporting institution

The president of Marítimo thanked the Regional Government of Madeira at a ceremony held in honour of O Maior das Ilhas (The Greatest of the Islands), arguing that the club represents “much more than just a sporting institution,” therefore also more than just a football team.

The 55-year-old continued in a heartfelt speech, underlining Marítimo’s “decisive role in affirming our regional identity” and in promoting the region around the world, going so far as to describe Marítimo as “Madeira’s greatest exporter of emotions.”

The former project manager and financial director even took a political stance, as he believes that Marítimo is “a tool for combating centralism,” an issue close to the heart of those outside of Lisbon (especially outside of the mainland).

For Marítimistas and Madeirans, it is more than a second division title.

In declarations cited by O Jogo, Gomes explained: “A big club is only big because of a big fan base, and this fan base has always supported us, through thick and thin. Marítimo is great because it always has that support behind it; the fans are the true soul of Marítimo, and moreover it is the greatest proof that Marítimo is a living force in the region.”

“Marítimo is Madeira and Madeira is Marítimo.”

Gomes’ impassioned words in relation to Marítimo and the role it plays in the community of Funchal and the island of Madeira as whole are an extension of the football club’s official anthem:

‘Oh Marítimo, oh Marítimo

You do Madeira proud

With pride and dignity

Oh Marítimo, oh Marítimo

Your name stands at the forefront

Of Portuguese sport’

A league title won, but no manager?

Despite the festivities, uncertainty has begun to creep in regarding the immediate future as Marítimo and title-winning manager Miguel Moita have parted ways.

In an official statement, Gomes revealed that “precisely because of the responsibility that returning to the Primeira Liga entails, the club felt that now was the right time to reflect, in a thorough and strategic manner, on the first team’s next sporting cycle.

“This analysis, carried out calmly and with a sense of responsibility, led to the decision to start the new season with a new head coach. Of course, the names of Miguel Moita and his coaching staff will forever be etched in Marítimo’s history, having led the club back to the top flight of Portuguese football.”

In a press conference transmitted by the club, Miguel Moita gave the impression that this surprise ‘divorce’ was a mutual decision, explaining: “Just as the club is looking for a different type of player, I too had decided some time ago to look for something different for myself. That is why I think that, up to this point, the board and the manager have been on the same page.”

Carlos André Gomes, “out of respect” for Miguel Moita, has promised to reveal the name of Marítimo’s next manager “in due course,” only after undertaking a thorough process to select the right coach.