Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira has cemented his legacy at Brazilian club Palmeiras by guiding the team to its third Copa Libertadores final in five years, a period marked by unprecedented trophy success and substantial financial gains.
The National Association of Football Coaches (ANTF) praised Ferreira’s “extraordinary consistency,” highlighting his work as a global benchmark for Portuguese coaching. The ANTF stated that his achievements underscore the school’s international standing in project development, excellent results, and social impact across South America and beyond.
Palmeiras secured its place in the final with an epic comeback, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Ecuador’s LDU Quito with a decisive 4-0 victory in the second leg.
Club president Leila Pereira interrupted a press conference following the semifinal win to embrace Ferreira, declaring him “the best coach in the club’s history.” She vowed eternal gratitude for his contributions.
Ferreira, who recently marked his fifth anniversary with Palmeiras, has amassed an impressive 10 titles during his tenure. These include two Copa Libertadores trophies in 2020 and 2021, two Brazilian championships in 2022 and 2023, and a Recopa Sudamericana in 2022.
His trophy cabinet also features a Copa do Brasil in 2020, three Campeonato Paulistas in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and a Supercopa do Brasil in 2023.
Beyond sporting glory, Ferreira’s leadership has coincided with significant player sales, generating nearly $377 million USD for the club. Notable transfers include Endrick to Real Madrid, Estêvão to Chelsea, Vitor Reis to Manchester City, and Richard Ríos to Benfica.
Despite his immense success, Ferreira admitted he struggles to enjoy victories and feels a constant need to prove himself daily. He tearfully acknowledged the “relief” at the final whistle of the semifinal, stating he prefers not to show his emotional side.
Ferreira will seek his third Copa Libertadores title on November 29 in Lima, Peru, where Palmeiras will face fellow Brazilian club Flamengo at the Estádio Monumental.