Fortaleza Esporte Clube has announced the appointment of Mateus Famer as the new goalkeeping coach for the first team. The move brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in developing talent to the Brazilian Série A club.
Famer arrives in Fortaleza with over 15 years dedicated to goalkeeping instruction, having worked with some of Brazil’s most prominent clubs and the national team setup. His career spans both professional and youth levels, including a stint internationally, demonstrating a versatile skillset and a commitment to holistic goalkeeper development.
Throughout his career, Famer has held positions at Grêmio, Vasco da Gama, and Cruzeiro, consistently contributing to the improvement of goalkeepers at each organization. He also spent time at Guangzhou Evergrande Football Academy in China, where he served as a goalkeeping coach and methodology coordinator, broadening his experience with international training techniques. This international exposure is a valuable asset as Fortaleza continues to grow its profile on the South American stage.
Perhaps most notably, Famer was a key member of the Brazilian national team coaching staff from 2018 to 2023, serving as the goalkeeping coach for the Under-17 squad. He played a significant role in the development of young Brazilian talent, culminating in a victory at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Brazil. This success underscores his ability to prepare goalkeepers for high-pressure situations and international competition.
Famer’s professional approach is characterized by meticulous organization, strategic planning, and a commitment to methodological development. He has a history of nurturing goalkeepers who have gone on to succeed at the professional level, and his experience as a training coordinator demonstrates his ability to oversee large-scale projects within a football club. For fans unfamiliar with the role, a dedicated goalkeeping coach is responsible for the specialized training of a team’s goalkeepers, focusing on technique, positioning, reflexes, and tactical awareness.
The new coach holds a degree in Physical Education from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) and possesses a specialization in High-Performance Physiology, alongside certifications in sports training. This academic background complements his practical experience, providing a strong foundation for his coaching philosophy.
Famer initially began his career at Grêmio’s youth academy in 2008, progressing through all age groups before departing in 2020 while working with the Under-20 team. During his time with Grêmio’s youth system, he achieved success, including winning the Copa Santiago Juvenil in 2019 and finishing as runners-up in the Copa São Paulo in 2020. His return to Fortaleza represents a homecoming of sorts, bringing a coach familiar with Brazilian football culture and development pathways.
The appointment of Famer is a strategic move by Fortaleza, signaling their commitment to investing in all areas of the team, including specialized coaching positions. The club will be hoping Famer can replicate his success in developing goalkeepers at other clubs and with the national team, strengthening a crucial position within the squad. Fortaleza currently competes in the Brasileirão Série A, the top tier of Brazilian football, and is aiming to consistently challenge for continental qualification.
Looking ahead, Mateus Famer will immediately integrate into the coaching staff, focusing on the specific planning for the pre-season. The team is scheduled to reconvene for pre-season training, as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. The club will be eager to witness the impact Famer has on the goalkeeping department and the overall performance of the team.
Fortaleza fans can expect a renewed focus on goalkeeping development under Famer’s guidance. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as the club strives for success both domestically and potentially in future continental competitions.
