Fortaleza Esporte Clube is having a standout season, but the true story goes beyond the results. The foundation of their success is a product of individuals working as a unified team, driven by a clear, long-term vision.
Their rise in Brazilian football is not a fluke. It's the outcome of strategic planning and relentless effort, both on and off the field. This article explores the tactical game plan that has brought them to new heights, alongside the off-field stories that have helped build a resilient and competitive club. Fortaleza’s story is one of vision and teamwork driving sustainable success.
The Best
In 2017, Marcelo Paz, a visionary Brazilian businessman and passionate Fortaleza fan, began reshaping Fortaleza Esporte Clube. With a degree in business administration from the Federal University of Ceará, Paz assumed the role of club president, marking the start of a new era for the club.
Under Paz's leadership, Fortaleza achieved remarkable successes, including clinching the Serie B title and securing their debut in the prestigious Copa Libertadores. His tenure was characterised by a series of bold decisions and strategic moves that propelled the club to new heights.
On June 14, 2024, Marcelo Paz was celebrated as Brazil's best football CEO at the Conafut awards. This award highlights the significant impact he has had in reshaping Fortaleza Esporte Clube.
Under his leadership, Fortaleza reached the final of the Copa Sul-Americana in 2023 and clinched the Copa do Nordeste in 2024. Moreover, Paz's impact was further demonstrated by Fortaleza's record revenue of R$ 371 million, marking the highest earnings ever for a team from Northeast Brazil.
You know what the most challenging thing about football is? Making money. That’s the hardest part. - Marcelo Paz
My first mission when I started was to generate new revenue for the club. There is a similarity between Flamengo and Fortaleza in this regard. Both clubs have passionate fan bases though Flamengo has 40 million supporters and we have 2 million. Despite the difference in scale, we have a substantial fan base in our region.
We invested in our region, focusing on organisation first. People are only willing to invest if they trust the management, whether they are sponsors, investors, or fans. When they see that the management is effective, they will buy jerseys, season tickets, become socios, and attend more games. That’s when the money starts flowing in. It’s crucial to take fans seriously and involve them in the process.
When I started, Fortaleza had just one fan shop. We grew from one to fourteen fan shops and increased our revenue from 600 thousand reais to 30 million reais, all with the same fan base but now with a more professional approach. I always say that specialists are better than you. You need the right people in the right places. The people around me need to be better at what they do than I am. Pride is part of being human, but it shouldn’t overshadow your work. It can’t be bigger than the goal. What we should be proud of is Fortaleza winning games. That should be the goal. Everyone here is here because they deserve it, not because I owe anyone a favour.
- (Marcelo Paz, Charla Podcast, YouTube, September 1, 2024)
Building for the Future
In December 2023, Fortaleza EC made a pivotal decision by appointing Bruno Costa as their new Sporting Director. Bruno brought with him a distinguished background, including a notable period as the Director of Scouting & Player Recruitment at San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer, where he had excelled for six-and-a-half years.
Bruno's extensive career also included valuable experience as a scout for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), where he played a crucial role in identifying talent for Brazil. His work with the CBF involved scouting at various youth and senior levels, contributing to the development of players who went on to make their mark on both domestic and international stages.
At San Jose, Bruno was essential in organising the team’s squad through his keen eye for talent and strategic recruitment. His global scouting experience spanned a wide range of markets and tournaments, providing him with a unique perspective on footballing cultures and talent pools across continents.
With his deep-rooted knowledge of Brazilian football and a proven ability to navigate diverse scouting environments, Bruno Costa brought a new level of expertise to Fortaleza EC. His appointment not only signalled a commitment to strengthening the club’s squad but also represented a strategic move towards enhancing their scouting and recruitment capabilities on a global scale.
We are not a second choice; we are the first choice for every athlete we bring in. We will not accept being treated as a fallback option. - Bruno Costa
At Fortaleza, we approach the market with intelligence and calmness. We are a serious club known for paying on time, taking responsibility, and delivering on our commitments. If you want to join Fortaleza, it’s essential to follow our standards of good conduct.
Fortaleza stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its exceptional organisation and visibility. With a dedicated fan base and some of the best attendance figures, the pride in joining Fortaleza should be evident. We are not a second choice; we are the first choice for every athlete we bring in. We will not accept being treated as a fallback option. No player is bigger than the club, and we seek individuals who are genuinely proud to be a part of our team. This is the clear message we want to convey to everyone in the market. It is a privilege to be at this club, and we expect everyone to share that sentiment.
- (Bruno Costa, during his presentation as Sporting Director for Fortaleza)
1. Defence
Fortaleza's Fortress Home
The name "Fortaleza" is derived from the Portuguese word for "fortress." Fortaleza, the capital city of the state of Ceará in Brazil, was named for its historical significance and defensive fortifications. The city’s name reflects its origins as a military outpost and strategic location, intended to protect against invasions and attacks during the colonial period.
In the 2023 Brasileirão season, Fortaleza demonstrated a strong defensive mindset in their 13 home games, securing 10 wins and 3 draws. They scored 20 goals while conceding only 6, showcasing their commitment to defensive solidity. With the lowest average possession percentage in the league at 41% and the second fewest progressive passes, Fortaleza focuses on grinding out victories while minimising defensive risks.
Their defensive strategy is further supported by their veteran goalkeeper, João Ricardo, who boasts the highest save percentage in the league at 81%.
Despite having the second-lowest shots on target percentage and pass accuracy, Fortaleza’s approach proves effective. They may have lower stats in various areas, but their style suits their needs perfectly. With a budget approximately four times smaller than that of traditional big teams, Fortaleza has successfully leveraged their defensive strategy to win matches and achieve impressive results.
This impressive record is a direct result of the player profile that Fortaleza seeks to build. The club prioritises players who are not only eager and proud to represent Fortaleza but also display determination and grit.
These athletes are selected for their commitment to the team and their ability to embody the club's values. Their cohesive teamwork and collective effort on the field are crucial in achieving such outstanding results. Fortaleza’s success is driven by players who embrace the club's ethos and contribute to a strong, unified squad.
Fortaleza does not have players with exceptional speed, they transition quickly to a defensive position. The players put in a strong effort to recover ground and remain compact in their own half. When they have the ball, they operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation. When they are defending, this changes to a 4-4-2.
Fortaleza’s determination to work as a unified team, with no individual player standing out as more important than the team, is evident on the field. There are no standout stars; instead, every player works hard for the collective effort. The team excels at regaining possession, is strong in ground duels, and maintains a high work rate.
In away games, Fortaleza prioritises maintaining their defensive shape even more, especially against stronger opposition. The team prioritises discipline, ensuring players stay compact and organised to withstand pressure. This approach allows them to absorb attacks and transition quickly when opportunities appear.
Botafogo’s midfielders send a deep ball forward, and left-winger Breno Lopes, who drops back to play as a midfielder when the team is defending, puts in the effort to recover possession. Known for his relentless work rate, Breno Lopes (62%) sits just behind São Paulo wide man Ferreira (63%) for ground duels won, amongst wingers & forwards (minimum 20 games). Showcasing his defensive contributions, Breno Lopes has a total duel success rate of 58.1%, which is 3% higher than Cruzeiro's star player Matheus Pereira.
Over the course of 21 games, he has scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists, despite missing 7 big chances. While these stats may not jump off the page, Breno's true value to the team goes beyond his attacking contributions. His ability to press, win duels, and track back demonstrates why Bruno Costa saw him as a smart recruitment. Bruno Costa understood that Breno's qualities of hard work and determination were just as important as his offensive output, making him a perfect fit for the club's ethos.
Breno Lopes alongside Tomás Pochettino
Veteran Ball-winning Midfielder
A key player in Fortaleza’s defensive strategy is veteran midfielder Lucas Sasha. At 34 years old, Sasha remains highly effective, ranking second in the Brasileirão for ground tackling duels won and leading in total tackles among players with at least 20 appearances. His defensive skills make him a crucial component of the team’s strategy.
Sasha’s attributes align perfectly with the club's philosophy, which emphasises hard work and dedication. His experience and relentless effort are essential for maintaining the team’s aggressive defensive approach.
Renowned for his consistent work rate and tactical awareness, Sasha excels at regaining possession and neutralising opponents. His contributions are vital to the team’s defensive tactics. Fortaleza leads the league in blocked passes, showcasing their strong interception skills, and also records the highest number of clearances, further highlighting their defensive effectiveness.
This article was written by Fernando Jorge Avidago da Cunha
Fernando Jorge Avidago da Cunha works as a scout for Standard de Liège. He’s passionate about how players move without the ball and values tactically smart midfielders, as well as the fading art of the trequartista. Fernando enjoys both well-organized teams and moments of individual brilliance. He writes about the Brasileirão for its competitiveness and keeps up with global football trends in tactics, data, and player development.
Email: fjavidagodacunha@gmail.com
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