Gokulam Kerala FC appoint Carlos Eduardo Parreira as their new head coach
Carlos was the assistant coach for South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Gokulam Kerala FC have completed the appointment of the 45-year-old Brazilian tactician Carlos Eduardo Parreira as their new head coach for the upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season.
Drawing on years of coaching experience in Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand, Coach Carlos joins Gokulam Kerala FC with vast international expertise both at club and national team level across different age groups.
Following a challenging 2025–26 campaign that saw multiple managerial shifts for the Malabarians, the club’s hierarchy has moved to instil their long-lost tactical identity ahead of the upcoming season.
Carlos’s appointment now brings a sense of optimism to the two-time champions as they aim for promotion to the nation’s top-tier league.
The gaffer was formerly an analyst for Brazil
Carlos started his managerial career way back in 2001, when he joined Bangu BJ as their strength and conditioning coach, and stayed there until 2005 across two stints. Later, he joined as the conditioning coach of the Brazil U-15 and U-17 sides before joining Fluminense U-20 in 2006.
Later, after multiple stints across various clubs in Malaysia, China, the Emirates and South Africa, his breakthrough came in 2010, when he was called up as the assistant coach for the South African National Football Team for the FIFA World Cup.
Then, after a year-long stint at Duque de Caxias, he joined the Brazilian National Football team as the opponent analyst for the FIFA World Cup 2014.
After predominantly working in youth development and reserve team football as an assistant manager, he transitioned into a senior team manager in the 2020/21 season when he managed Khon Kaen United, playing in the Indonesian Tier 2, averaging 1.11 points per game.
Later, he was the manager of Al-Qaisumah, CS Esportiva, Rayong FC and Madura FC, where he coached last season.
The manager now joins Gokulam Kerala FC as their head coach for the upcoming Indian Football League season, eyeing silverware after a gap of four long years and earning a potential promotion to the Indian Super League for the first time in the club’s history.
Indian Football League is all set to kick off on October 16
The Governing Council of the Indian Football League (IFL) on Monday, July 27, 2026, decided that the upcoming season of the IFL will kick off from the 16th of October 2026.
Eleven teams, namely Aizawl FC, FC Bengaluru United, Chanmari FC, Delhi FC, Dempo SC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Rajasthan United FC, Real Kashmir FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Sreenidi Deccan FC and the relegated team from the ISL, Mohammedan SC, will take part in the tournament.
Diamond Harbour FC, the champions of IFL 2025-26, have been promoted to the Indian Super League and have confirmed their participation by paying the first instalment of the participation fees.
Who is the new head coach of Gokulam Kerala FC?
Gokulam Kerala FC have appointed Brazilian coach Carlos Eduardo Parreira as their new head coach for the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season.
What is Carlos Eduardo Parreira’s coaching background?
He has worked in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the UAE, and South Africa, gaining experience at both club and international levels. Now he will be the coach of Gokulam Kerala FC.
Did Carlos Eduardo Parreira coach at the FIFA World Cup?
Yes. He was an assistant coach for South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and later worked with Brazil’s coaching staff for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.