American financier Dave Horin has joined the investment group backing the new Santa Cruz SAF project through Matix Capital, bringing more than 30 years of financial markets experience to the Brazilian club. It was reported that Horin, who previously served as chief financial officer for John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, will act strictly as an investor without participating in the club’s day-to-day football operations.
Financial Background and Experience at Eagle Football
Horin brings an extensive background in corporate finance, accounting, and executive management to the Pernambuco club. A graduate in accounting from Baruch College in New York, he is a certified public accountant in the United States and spent time with major firms including KPMG and Jefferies before founding Chord Advisors, a consultancy focused on growth-stage companies, public firms, and private equity businesses.
His entry into the football industry came during his tenure at Eagle Football Holdings. Between 2023 and 2025, Horin served as the holding company’s chief financial officer and sat on its board of directors, gaining direct exposure to multi-club ownership models that included investments in Botafogo, Olympique Lyon, and RWD Brussels. He left the organization in 2025.
Executive Structure of the Santa Cruz SAF
While Horin contributes financial backing and expertise, executive management of the Santa Cruz SAF will remain separate from the investor group. Thairo Arruda, one of the key figures behind Matix Capital alongside Danilo Caixeiro, will assume the role of chief executive officer. Matix Capital specializes in mergers, acquisitions, and investments in football, with experience in operations involving Brazilian clubs, overseeing the acquisition process.
The transition toward the new corporate model reached a formal milestone on September 25, when the Cobra Coral approved the assignment to Matix of the rights and obligations tied to the business agreement with Santa Cruz. Horin joins a roster of international backers supporting the restructuring effort.
International Investors Supporting the Project
Horin is part of a coalition of global investors backing the Matix Capital project at Santa Cruz. The investor group also includes Indian-American Paraj Tyle, Italian Gianpaolo Callioni, and Colombian Carlos Garcia, who serves as the founder and CEO of LogistiX.
Although the final legal and administrative steps to fully consolidate the operation are still underway, the ownership framework is established.
