Vicente Suanno is a dynamic football executive whose career bridges the worlds of elite playing experience and modern sports leadership. A former professional midfielder with dual Venezuelan and Italian citizenship, Suanno transitioned seamlessly into football management after retiring from competition in 2018, building a reputation as one of the most progressive minds in South American football governance.
He launched his post-playing career as Assistant Coach of Venezuela’s U-20 National Team, quickly earning respect for his tactical insight and ability to connect with young players. His success in youth development led to his appointment as General Manager of Deportivo La Guaira, where he transformed the club’s sporting structure and steered them to their first-ever national title. Suanno prioritized academy integration, promoting 12 youth players to the first team and securing the high-profile transfer of John Aramburu to Spain’s Real Sociedad—proof of his sharp eye for talent and market strategy.
In 2021, Suanno joined the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) as Director of Competitions and Youth Development. There, he launched Corazón Vinotinto, a nationwide program focused on unifying the country’s fragmented youth development pathways and instilling a shared footballing identity. The impact was immediate and historic: Venezuela’s U-17 team qualified for back-to-back FIFA U-17 World Cups in 2023 and 2025 for the first time in national history, a milestone that cemented Suanno’s legacy in youth football reform.
Beyond his achievements on home soil, Suanno has cultivated a global outlook. He is a graduate of the UEFA Executive Master for International Players (UEFA MIP), one of the most prestigious programs for former elite athletes transitioning into executive roles. Through the MIP, he gained exposure to best practices in European football governance, club administration, and commercial strategy, enriching his leadership with international perspective.
Now residing in the United States, Suanno operates fluently in both Spanish and English and brings a multicultural, disciplined, and visionary approach to football leadership. His mission remains clear: to build sustainable, competitive football structures rooted in identity, opportunity, and long-term growth. With a rare blend of credibility on the field and competence in the boardroom, Vicente Suanno represents the next generation of global football executives.
Our Exclusive Interview with Vicente Suanno
Who is Vicente Suanno outside of football? How would you describe yourself beyond your professional identity?
Outside of football, I’m a father, a husband, and a constant learner. I’m someone who values humility, discipline, and resilience. My life is guided by service, whether it’s through family, football, or leadership. I see myself not just as a professional, but as someone on a personal mission to grow, contribute, and leave a meaningful legacy. I’m deeply rooted in my values, but I’m also open to change, learning, and evolving with the world around me.
What inspired your transition from being a professional footballer to taking on executive leadership roles in the sport?
As a player, I was always fascinated by the “why” behind decisions. I naturally gravitated toward leadership roles, often serving as captain, and I was always observing how clubs and federations were run. When I retired in 2018, I knew I wanted to stay in the game, but from the side that builds structures, develops talent, and shapes the future. My motivation was simple: to take everything I had learned on the pitch and use it to influence the game from the top down.
How did your experience at Deportivo La Guaira shape your approach to youth development and club management?
Deportivo La Guaira was a pivotal chapter in my journey. As General Manager, I had the privilege of building a winning culture that extended far beyond the first team. We became champions for the first time in the club’s history, but what I’m most proud of is promoting 12 academy players to the senior squad and overseeing the successful transfer of John Aramburu to Real Sociedad. That experience taught me that success is sustainable only when it’s rooted in development. It reinforced my belief that clubs thrive when there is a clear identity, a structured pathway for young players, and full alignment throughout the organization.
Can you share the vision and impact behind Corazón Vinotinto and how it redefined youth football in Venezuela?
Corazón Vinotinto was born out of a need to unify and inspire. Together with other directors at the Venezuelan Football Federation, we created this national project to bring meaning, structure, and identity to our youth football system. It was more than a strategy; it was a cultural reset. Through this plan, we achieved something historic: back-to-back qualifications for the U-17 World Cup in 2023 and 2025. That had never happened before. It proved that when vision is matched with execution, and heart with structure, real transformation is possible, even in the most challenging environments.
What did you take away from completing the UEFA MIP program, and how has it influenced your leadership style?
The UEFA MIP program was life-changing. It gave me a global perspective, a world-class education, and a network of incredible minds from all corners of football. Balancing the MIP while working full-time at the Federation wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It refined my approach to leadership, not just strategically, but in how I connect with people, make decisions, and carry responsibility.
As part of the program, I had the opportunity to travel across 19 countries in Europe, learning firsthand from some of the world’s top institutions, federations, and clubs. I deepened my understanding of scouting, strategic planning, marketing, and modern football governance. The MIP taught me to think systemically, to lead with empathy, and to stay curious. It gave me tools, but more importantly, it sharpened my purpose.
Looking ahead, what kind of football projects or executive challenges are you most excited to take on next?
Right now, I’m based in the United States and actively looking to contribute to an ambitious organization, whether in MLS, USL, a federation, or an academy. I’m excited by projects that are forward-thinking, multicultural, and centered on player development and identity. I want to be part of something that is growing, evolving, and making a real impact. I believe my background, which bridges South America and Europe, player and executive, structure and soul, gives me a unique lens. I’m ready to take on challenges that require both vision and execution.
