Oswaldo Fumeiro Alvarez, known by the nickname Vadão, was a Brazilian football manager born on 21 August 1956 and who died on 25 May 2020. He built a long career in Brazilian football as a club coach before becoming best known internationally for his work with the Brazil women's national football team. His tenure with the national side included appearances at multiple major tournaments and attracted both praise and criticism.
Career overview
Vadão began his coaching path in the Brazilian domestic game, working with a range of clubs across different divisions. Over decades he developed a reputation as a pragmatic, experienced coach comfortable with short-term projects, which led to numerous appointments in the professional ranks. In the 2010s he moved into the international women's game, taking charge of the Brazil women's national team in two separate spells.
National team and major tournaments
As head coach of Brazil's women's team, Vadão led the squad at several global competitions. He was in charge for large tournaments in the mid-to-late 2010s and guided Brazil through World Cup and Olympic campaigns. After Brazil's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup the federation made the decision to replace him. Reports and profiles of his coaching career can be found in contemporary coverage and official coach summaries (profile).
Style, reception and controversies
Vadão's teams were often characterized by tactical discipline and a focus on defensive organisation, reflecting his pragmatic approach. His selections and tactical choices sometimes sparked debate among media and supporters, particularly during high-profile tournaments where expectations for Brazil's attack-minded tradition were high. Supporters credited him for stabilising squads; critics argued for different long-term development strategies for the women's programme.
His dismissal after the 2019 World Cup eliminated hopes of an extended second spell. That elimination, widely reported at the time, is documented in contemporary match and tournament summaries (2019 World Cup coverage).
Vadão died in May 2020; his passing was noted across Brazilian and international sports media and prompted reflections on his long involvement in Brazilian football and his role in the growth of the women's game.
Key facts
- Full name: Oswaldo Fumeiro Alvarez; commonly known as Vadão.
- Born: 21 August 1956. Died: 25 May 2020.
- Career: Long-standing club manager in Brazil; two spells as head coach of the Brazil women's national team.
- Notable tournaments: Led Brazil at multiple World Cup and Olympic campaigns in the 2010s.
- Legacy: Remembered for experience across Brazilian football and a contentious but influential role in women's national team history.