Corinthians counselor André Castro has officially entered the race for the presidency of the São Paulo club, targeting the 2027–2029 triennium with a platform centered on financial restructuring and professional governance. In an exclusive interview with Meu Timão, the 47-year-old financial market professional and social member of nearly 30 years stated that he sees himself prepared to deliver solutions that current administrations have failed to provide.
“What me makes me want to be president of Corinthians is that me view myself prepared and with conditions to bring solutions to the club, mainly in the professional, budgetary, and investment areas, which today do not exist,” Castro told Meu Timão. The election is scheduled for November 28 at Parque São Jorge. Five candidates have registered their slates for the vote: Ilmar Schiavenato, José Augusto Cardoso Mendes, André Castro, Sergio Janikian, and Rozallah Santoro.
Castro Names Vice-Presidential Running Mates
Running under slate number 7, named Transforma Corinthians, Castro has selected Everton Dumbrovsky and Luiz Soares dos Santos as his vice-presidential running mates. Both are triennial counselors in the Deliberative Council. Castro previously served as an advisor to the youth categories during the administration of former president Duilio Monteiro Alves. Today, he is a partner at an office linked to Alta Vista Investimentos, associated with XP.
“Today, I’m a partner at an office linked to a bank. Only in this environment, how many investment funds and partners do we have at our disposal?” Castro said. He noted that the club’s debt approaches R$ 3 billion while generating a revenue near R$ 1 billion. Despite past criticism and the nickname “André do Bilhão” earned during his 2025 campaign for the club’s indirect elections—where he proposed a $1 billion backing from GSP Holding—Castro indicated that any solution must be financially healthy for the club and discussed through a commission and the Conselho Deliberativo.
Evaluating the SAFiel Proposal
Regarding external corporate structures, Castro stated he is open to discussing proposals with SAFiel, a group aiming to transform Corinthians into a Soccer Corporation (SAF). While praising the group's governance framework, he asked about market borrowing costs and financial returns. “We need to discuss and listen to SAFiel. I will open the doors for us to talk, inclusive before the election,” Castro noted, stressing that any agreement must avoid high interest burdens such as CDI rates plus 10 to 20 percentage points.
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