Overview
Renato Soares de Oliveira Augusto, commonly known as Renato Augusto, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has established himself as a versatile and influential midfielder over a career spanning two decades. Born on February 8, 1988, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Augusto stands 1.85 meters tall and operates predominantly in central midfield roles, capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or an attacking midfielder.
His career trajectory has seen him ply his trade in some of the most competitive leagues globally, including Brazil's Série A, Germany's Bundesliga, and the Chinese Super League, before returning to his homeland. A product of the Flamengo youth academy, Augusto quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating a keen footballing intellect and refined technical skills from a young age. He is celebrated for his exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game, making him a crucial asset for both club and country.
Position
Renato Augusto primarily functions as a central midfielder, thriving in roles that demand both offensive creativity and defensive responsibility. His versatility allows him to adapt to various midfield setups, whether as a number eight, orchestrating attacks from deeper positions, or as a number ten, providing direct threats closer to the opposition's goal. His capacity to maintain possession under pressure and distribute the ball effectively makes him an ideal pivot in possession-based systems.
Identity
The definitive identity of Renato Augusto is that of a technically gifted and intelligent deep-lying playmaker. He is often recognized for his composure on the ball, his ability to break lines with incisive passes, and his tactical awareness in both offensive and defensive phases. His influence often extends beyond direct goal contributions, as he frequently initiates attacking sequences and helps in building play from the back.
Career path
Renato Augusto's professional journey began in the esteemed youth system of Flamengo. He made his senior debut for the club in 2005, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent in Brazilian football. His performances for Flamengo attracted attention from European clubs, leading to his transfer to German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen (2008–2012)
In July 2008, Renato Augusto moved to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of €3.5 million, according to Transfermarkt. During his tenure in the Bundesliga, he became a key player for Die Werkself, making 127 appearances across all competitions. He showcased his ability to adapt to European football, contributing with goals and assists from midfield. His time in Germany was marked by consistent performances, though it was eventually hampered by a series of injuries.
Corinthians (2013–2015)
Augusto returned to Brazil in January 2013, joining Corinthians for a fee of €3.5 million, as reported by Transfermarkt. This move proved to be a pivotal point in his career. He quickly rediscovered his best form, becoming an integral part of the Corinthians squad that achieved significant success. His leadership and consistent displays were instrumental in the club's triumphs during this period.
Beijing Guoan (2016–2021)
In January 2016, Renato Augusto embarked on a new challenge, moving to Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan for a fee of €8 million, according to Transfermarkt. He spent five successful years in China, where he was one of the league's standout foreign players. At Beijing Guoan, he continued to demonstrate his quality, contributing significantly to the team's attacking play and often serving as captain. His consistent performances solidified his reputation as a top-tier midfielder.
Return to Corinthians (2021–2023)
Augusto made a sentimental return to Corinthians in July 2021, signing a contract after his spell in China. His second stint at the club saw him re-establish himself as a fan favorite and a crucial figure in the team's midfield, providing experience and creativity. He continued to perform at a high level, showcasing his enduring quality despite his age.
Fluminense (2024–present)
In January 2024, Renato Augusto joined Fluminense FC, marking another chapter in his illustrious career. This move allowed him to return to his hometown club and continue playing at the highest level of Brazilian football, bringing his wealth of experience to the reigning Copa Libertadores champions.
Playing style
Renato Augusto's playing style is defined by his high footballing IQ, exceptional technical ability, and tactical versatility. As a central midfielder, he excels in linking defense with attack and dictating the flow of the game. His primary strengths lie in his passing range, vision, and ability to maintain possession under pressure.
He is known for his accurate short and long-range passing, often unlocking defenses with through balls or switching play effectively. According to data from FBref, Augusto consistently posts high passing accuracy percentages, reflecting his precision and composure. His ability to read the game allows him to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks, making him effective in defensive transitions despite not being a traditional defensive midfielder. He often positions himself intelligently to receive the ball in dangerous areas and initiate offensive movements.
Augusto also possesses excellent ball control and dribbling skills, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and evade markers. While not known for blistering pace, his close control and body feints enable him to create space for himself and his teammates. He has a good understanding of positional play, frequently drifting into pockets of space to offer passing options or draw defenders away. His shooting from distance is also a notable attribute, contributing vital goals from outside the box.
Comparisons can be drawn to midfielders like Toni Kroos in terms of his passing precision and ability to control tempo, or perhaps a more offensively minded Luka Modrić for his vision and dribbling in tight spaces. His work rate, while not always the highest in terms of raw distance covered, is intelligent, focusing on pressing triggers and covering passing lanes effectively.
Achievements & honours
Renato Augusto has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, both at club level and with the Brazil national team. His contributions have been recognized with significant team honours and individual accolades.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Campeonato Brasileiro Série A | Corinthians | 2015 |
| Campeonato Carioca | Flamengo | 2007, 2008 |
| Copa do Brasil | Flamengo | 2006 |
| Chinese FA Cup | Beijing Guoan | 2018 |
International Honours
- Olympic Games Silver Medal: 2012
Individual Accolades
- Bola de Ouro (Brazilian Player of the Year): 2015
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2015
- Chinese Super League Team of the Year: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
International career
Renato Augusto has represented the Brazil national team, earning 32 caps and scoring 5 goals since his debut. His international career has seen him feature in significant tournaments, showcasing his talent on the global stage. He first received a call-up to the senior squad in 2011.
One of his most notable international achievements came at the 2012 London Olympics, where he was part of the Brazil squad that won the silver medal, losing to Mexico in the final. Although an Olympic medal is not considered a full senior international honour by FIFA, it was an important step in his development and recognition.
Augusto played a crucial role for Brazil during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, solidifying his place in Dunga's and later Tite's squads. He was a key component of the midfield, often providing stability and creative impetus from central areas. His performances during qualification helped Brazil secure their spot in the tournament.
He was selected for the Brazil squad that competed in the 2016 Copa América Centenario, where he started in all four matches. He also featured prominently in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, making several appearances as Brazil reached the quarter-finals. His experience and calming presence were vital for the Seleção in high-pressure matches. His international contributions underscore his consistent quality and reliability as a top-tier midfielder.
What makes Renato Augusto stand out
Renato Augusto stands out primarily due to his exceptional footballing intelligence and his ability to consistently perform at a high technical level across various leagues. His vision and passing range are perhaps his most distinctive traits, allowing him to unlock defenses and create opportunities that many other midfielders cannot. He possesses a rare ability to slow down the game in crowded midfield areas, finding precise passes to initiate attacks or relieve pressure.
Another standout characteristic is his composure under pressure. Whether receiving the ball in his own half or nearing the opposition's penalty area, Augusto rarely panics. This calmness allows him to make optimal decisions, maintain possession, and execute complex passes with accuracy. His leadership qualities, often demonstrated by wearing the captain's armband at various clubs, also make him a significant presence on the field, guiding younger players and organizing the midfield.
"Renato Augusto is a player with rare intelligence, he sees spaces where others don't, and he has the quality to put the ball exactly where it needs to be."