The recent Copa Libertadores champion, Botafogo, is undergoing a transition following the unexpected departure of their head coach Artur Jorge. The Portuguese manager, who led the team to their first continental title, accepted a lucrative offer to manage Al Rayyan of Qatar, leaving a crucial position vacant at a pivotal moment for the club.

The Fogão management has begun evaluating potential replacements, with internationally renowned names on the list. Among the main candidates are Argentine Gerardo Martino, Spaniard Rafa Benítez, and Portuguese Vasco Matos. Martino, known for his tenure with national teams such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Mexico, as well as clubs like Barcelona and Inter Miami, appears to be a favorite, alongside Benítez, who is also currently without a team. Meanwhile, Matos, currently managing Santa Clara in Portugal, may face contractual hurdles to take the role.

The next Botafogo coach will face a monumental challenge. In 2025, the team will compete on multiple fronts, including the Recopa Sudamericana against Racing Club in February, defending their Libertadores title, and the prestigious Club World Cup in the United States. In this last tournament, Fogão will share Group B with powerhouses such as Atlético de Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Seattle Sounders, promising high-level matchups.

However, the task will not be easy. The team has suffered significant losses during the transfer market, with key players such as Thiago Almada, who joined Olympique Lyon, and Luiz Henrique, also signed by the French club, departing. The latter was instrumental in the Libertadores victory, standing out as the best player in South America in 2024. Additionally, other departures include Roberto Fernández, Rafael, Adryelson, Pablo, Marçal, Hugo, Tche Tche, Eduardo, and Óscar Romero, leaving the squad in a delicate state.

Given this scenario, selecting the next coach is crucial. Martino, for instance, would bring his extensive experience in both South American and international football, while Benítez could offer his hallmark of European tactical discipline. Matos, meanwhile, would represent a riskier but potentially rewarding long-term investment. Despite the rumors, the club has not yet initiated formal talks with any of the candidates.

The final decision will not only shape Botafogo’s immediate future but also their ability to establish themselves as regular contenders in elite football. With a packed schedule of challenges and a rebuilding squad, the next head coach will have a titanic task ahead.