Brazil: the highest-paid coach in the history of Brazilian and South American soccer

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – As soon as he signed a contract extension with Palmeiras until December 2024, Abel Ferreira became the highest-paid coach in Brazilian and South American soccer history. For the new contract, the Portuguese will receive US$7.4 million per year.

Palmeiras has sought to recognize the importance of titles and the money he has already contributed to the club since he took the team over in October 2020. Over this time, Palmeiras has collected approximately US$77 million in prize money due to the titles and finals it has played.

Not even the Argentine Marcelo Gallardo, number 1 in the ranking, had come close to these figures. The River Plate coach receives about US$5 million per year. Jorge Jesus, Jorge Sampaoli, and Tite never earned such high amounts per season either.

Palmeiras’ announcement was made on March 26, right after the 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino and the classification for the final of the São Paulo Championship.

Palmeiras issued an official note to deny the values published by UOL Esporte, but the report maintains the information published.

FAMILY NEGOTIATION

His wife Ana Xavier, who will come from Portugal to live with Abel Ferreira in Brazil, was instrumental in the deal with Palmeiras. She negotiated together with the coach’s manager and lawyer.

“My wife, manager, and lawyer handled my renewal—only them. My family’s coming here was fundamental for me to stay. I don’t know if it is like this with you, but she is the boss in my house,” said Abel.

MEETING WITH LEILA PEREIRA

Abel Ferreira talked only once about the renewal with president Leila Pereira. She said that “he will only leave if he wants to”.

“If I came to Brazil, it is for Galiotte. If I continue, it is because of Leila’s responsibility. She made a tremendous effort and saw that we only had one meeting. I also talk about the players. I trust them as much as they trust me. Above all, thank you for trusting me and my work, for trusting us. I can only promise that Palmeiras will play to win, but we will not always win. We will also lose, and we will continue to do the same thing, at the limit, at the maximum demand to do better and better. The renewal is also due to the commitment of the players. You place a lot of value on the coaches, but the ones who really put their hands in the wheel are the players,” said the coach.

PRESIDENT’S WORDS

“During our glorious 107-year history, few professionals have identified as much with our values and traditions as he has. Just like each one of us, Abel breathes Palmeiras. He has a cool head and a green heart. We trust him to continue his successful trajectory at the club,” said president Leila Pereira.

“We have renewed Abel’s contract until December 2024, but we want him to stay even longer at Palmeiras. If our goal is to improve Brazilian soccer, we need to give time and security for good professionals to work. Abel is an exceptional coach. I am sure that he will continue to do a brilliant job with our players and bring even more joy to our fans,” said Leila Pereira.

With the contract renewed, Palmeiras protects itself from the search of European clubs for Abel Ferreira. Benfica (Portugal) and Granada (Spain) recently sought the coach, but the contract termination fine is higher.

MULTI-CHAMPION

In Palmeiras since November 2020, Abel has already won four titles: two Libertadores (2020 and 2021), one Brazil Cup (2020), and the most recent Recopa Sudamericana (2022).

He has played 123 games, with 68 wins and a 62.6% success rate. Palmeiras has 190 goals scored and 101 conceded under the command of Abel Ferreira, who is going to the ninth final against São Paulo or Corinthians in the São Paulo Championship.