Bernardo Rocha de Rezende, widely known as Bernardinho, stands as the most successful team sport coach in history with 48 total medals. Born in 1950 in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian athlete transitioned from a competitive playing career that included an Olympic silver medal to a prolific tenure directing national teams to unprecedented heights on the international stage.
Early Playing Career
Rezende competed as a player from 1972 to 1988, representing clubs including Fluminense, Volley Atlantica Boavista, Flamengo, and Vasco da Gama. During his playing tenure, he secured the 1981 Brazil Super League title with Atlantica Boavista. His international experience included appearances at the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics, where he claimed a silver medal in 1984, alongside a gold medal victory at the 1983 Pan American Games.
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He began his coaching career in 1988 as an assistant to Bebeto de Freitas during the Summer Olympics. By 1990, he transitioned to head coach for the Italian women's team Perugia and the Brazilian women's national team. Throughout the 1990s, he led the Brazilian women to various honors, including bronze medals at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics, before shifting his focus to the men's national team in 2001.
International Coaching Success
As the head coach of the Brazil men's national volleyball team, Rezende achieved two Olympic gold medals at the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Olympics. His extensive list of titles includes multiple FIVB World League championships, World Championship victories in 2002, 2006, and 2010, and numerous South American titles. He remains the only head coach to lead national teams to six Olympic medals.
Business and Social Initiatives
Beyond his coaching duties, Rezende maintains an active profile as a businessman and lecturer. He serves on the board of directors for the restaurant chain Delirio Tropical, the Bodytech Group fitness centers, and the online educational institution eduK. Additionally, he founded the NGO Instituto Compartilhar to assist young people from disadvantaged communities through sports development.
Fast facts
- Born: 1950, Rio de Janeiro
- Citizenship: Brazil
- Olympic Medals as Coach: 6
- Total International Medals: 48
- Education: Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
- Notable Business: Bodytech Group
- NGO: Instituto Compartilhar
- Nickname: Bernardinho
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic gold medals did he win as a coach?
He won two Olympic gold medals, at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Which professional clubs did he manage?
He has managed teams including Perugia, Rio de Janeiro Vôlei Clube, and Rexona-Ades.
Achievements
- Competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 1980 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- 2006 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship
- 1994 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship
- 2003 FIVB Men's World Cup
- 1999 FIVB Women's World Cup
