SÃO PAULO — Corinthians have appointed Clarence Seedorf as head coach on a contract until the end of 2027, with the former Netherlands midfielder returning to coaching for the first time since 2019. The 50-year-old takes charge with the club 16th in the Brazilian top flight, one place above the relegation zone with eight games left.
Seedorf succeeds Fernando Diniz, the former Brazil interim national coach who was sacked by Corinthians last week after the club lost seven consecutive league games. "Taking on this challenge is an honour, but also a huge responsibility. I am here to give my all and build a team that fights for every ball, every minute, every victory," said Seedorf of his appointment.
It marks Seedorf's first coaching role in more than seven years since his spell with the Cameroon national team, following previous underwhelming spells at AC Milan, Shenzhen FC and Deportivo La Coruna. The Dutch great, who played 87 times for the Netherlands and scored 11 goals, retired from playing in 2014 after a glittering career which yielded four Champions League titles — two with AC Milan, one with Real Madrid and one with Ajax.
Seedorf remains the only player to win the Champions League with three different clubs and now inherits a Corinthians squad which features former Manchester United players Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard as the São Paulo side battle to preserve their top-flight status.