Clarence Seedorf appointed Corinthians manager on contract until 2027

Corinthians have appointed Clarence Seedorf as their new manager, with the former Netherlands international taking charge of the Brazilian club until December 2027 after the departure of Fernando Diniz.

The appointment was announced by Corinthians on 11 October 2026, as the club attempt to recover from a difficult season and avoid relegation from the Brazilian top flight.

“Accepting this challenge is a great honour, but it also represents a huge responsibility,” Seedorf said on the club’s website. “I am here to give everything I have and to build a team that fights for every ball, every minute and every victory.”

Seedorf, 50, is regarded as an AC Milan legend, but his arrival at Corinthians was not widely expected. He had not been among the leading candidates for the position and was outside most initial lists of possible replacements for Diniz.

Corinthians held discussions with several other managers, including Sebastian Beccacece, Ramon Diaz, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, Carille, Luis Zubeldia, Sylvinho and Javier Mascherano. Seedorf will now be tasked with keeping the club in the first division.

He is expected to arrive in Sao Paulo in the coming days with his new coaching staff. In the meantime, William Batista is due to lead the team from the bench for their match against Palmeiras.

Seedorf was at Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid’s game against Villarreal before taking the Corinthians job. He therefore has only a short period to pack and prepare for the start of his new role.

The Dutchman joins Corinthians at a time when the club are enduring what has been described as the worst crisis in their recent history, despite winning the Copa do Brasil and Supercopa just a few months ago.

The club’s problems are linked to a difficult financial situation and a period of stagnation, with millions in debts owed to players including Memphis Depay, as well as to other clubs.

Results have also fallen short of expectations this season. Corinthians are 16th in the table, just one point above the relegation places.

Their campaign has suffered further setbacks in cup competitions. They were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Estudiantes in a controversial knockout tie and have also been knocked out of the domestic cup.

Seedorf, who won major honours during a distinguished playing career with clubs including AC Milan, now faces the immediate challenge of stabilising Corinthians and securing their top-flight status.