Less than 24 hours after being eliminated by Corinthians in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil, Cruzeiro announced the departure of Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim on Monday morning (15). The 51-year-old coach took over the technical command of Raposa in February. On Sunday night (14), Cruzeiro was defeated 5-4 on penalties, after 2-2 on aggregate. In addition to the tournament, he led the team to the conquest of the direct spot in the Libertadores, with the third position in the Brazilian Championship.
“Cruzeiro announces that coach Leonardo Jardim will not continue as head coach of the team in the 2026 season. Along with Jardim, assistants José Barros, Antonio Vieira, and Diogo Dias are also leaving the club,” the Minas Gerais club said in an official statement.
Related news:
- Corinthians and Vasco advance on penalties and will decide the Copa do Brasil.
- Osasco secures a place on the podium at the Women’s Volleyball Club World Championship.
- Flamengo seeks redemption after defeat in the basketball Champions League.
Cruzeiro announces that coach Leonardo Jardim will not continue as head coach of the team in the 2026 season.
Along with Jardim, assistants José Barros, Antonio Vieira and Diogo Dias are also leaving the club.
We are grateful for all the dedication, commitment and professionalism during… pic.twitter.com/0XgPrhMx0F
— Cruzeiro 🦊 (@Cruzeiro) December 15, 2025
According to Cruzeiro, the coach will make a statement in a press conference at the Toca da Raposa II Training Center, starting at 1 PM (Brasilia time).
In October, Leonardo Jardim signaled discomfort after Cruzeiro’s 0-0 draw with Palmeiras in São Paulo, for the 30th round of the Brasileirão. The match was marked by two controversial refereeing decisions against Cruzeiro defenders: a yellow card for Gustavo Gómez in the first half and a red card for Fabrício Bruno in the second half.
“The joy I’ve had in Brazil, with the fantastic group and the fans, is frustrating. I wonder if it’s worth continuing, when in reality we’re not the ones controlling the games. I’m extremely frustrated. The weight of dissatisfaction is almost equaling that of satisfaction,” Jardim lamented in an interview after the match.
