Corinthians have turned to Clarence Seedorf to lead their fight against relegation, appointing the former Netherlands midfielder as head coach on a contract running through the end of 2027.
The 50-year-old returns to management for the first time since leaving his role with Cameroon in 2019. He takes over a club sitting 16th in Brazil’s top division, just one place above the drop zone, with eight league fixtures remaining.
Seedorf replaces Fernando Diniz, the former interim Brazil coach who was dismissed last week after Corinthians suffered seven consecutive league defeats.
The Dutchman’s coaching career has included spells at AC Milan, Shenzhen FC and Deportivo La Coruna, as well as with Cameroon, though those stints produced mixed results.
Seedorf said accepting the job was both an honour and a major responsibility, adding that he intends to give everything and build a side that competes for every ball, every minute and every win.
At Corinthians, he will work with a squad that includes former Manchester United players Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard.
As a player, Seedorf retired in 2014 after a decorated career in which he won the Champions League four times — twice with AC Milan and once each with Real Madrid and Ajax. He remains the only footballer to lift the Champions League with three different clubs.