Jair Ventura


Jair Zaksauskas Ribeiro Ventura, known as Jair Ventura, is a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a forward, and is a manager.

Playing career

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Ventura was a forward during his playing days, representing São Cristóvão, Bonsucesso, Bangu, Mulhouse and Mesquita, aside from teams in Greece and Gabon. He retired at the age of 26, and subsequently had spells at America-RJ and Madureira.

Managerial career

Botafogo

Ventura joined Botafogo in 2008, also as a fitness coach. The following year, he was appointed assistant manager by Ney Franco, and remained with the role in the following campaigns.
Ventura took over the first team as an interim on 27 January 2010, in a 2–1 Campeonato Carioca away win against Tigres do Brasil. He returned to his previous role as an assistant after the arrival of Joel Santana, and also managed the under-20 squad for two years before being dismissed by Bota in 2013.
Ventura returned to Botafogo in 2015, after a short spell at CSA. On 13 August 2016, he was definitely appointed as first team manager, replacing São Paulo-bound Ricardo Gomes.
On 19 December 2016, Ventura renewed his contract until the end of 2018, after qualifying Botafogo to the ensuing Copa Libertadores. In that tournament, he took the club to the quarterfinals, being knocked out by eventual champions Grêmio.

Santos

On 22 December 2017, Ventura announced to Botafogo's board that he accepted the offer of league rivals Santos. The following 3 January, he was officially announced by the club.
On 23 July 2018, after a 0–0 away draw against Chapecoense and with Peixe threatened with relegation, Ventura was relieved from his duties.

Corinthians

On 6 September 2018, Ventura was announced manager of Santos' rivals Corinthians, replacing demoted Osmar Loss. He was sacked on 3 December, with the club only avoiding relegation.

Personal life

Ventura is the son of Jairzinho, former Botafogo player and 1970 FIFA World Cup winner.

Managerial statistics