Luiz Felipe Scolari

Lore & Background

Scolari was a central defender during his playing days, nicknamed 'Perna-de-Pau' ('Wooden Leg') for his lack of skill on the ball. He played for Caxias, Juventude, Novo Hamburgo, and CSA, captaining his sides often and winning the 1981 Campeonato Alagoano with CSA. He began his managerial career in 1982 at CSA, winning the Alagoas state championship. He later managed Grêmio in 1987, winning the Gaúcho state championship, and returned to Grêmio in 1993, winning six titles in three years including the 1995 Copa Libertadores and the 1996 Brazilian Championship. He led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title, managed Portugal from 2003 to 2008 (reaching the Euro 2004 final and 2006 World Cup semi-finals), coached Chelsea in 2008–09, returned to Brazil's national team in 2012 (winning the 2013 Confederations Cup and reaching the 2014 World Cup semi-finals), and later managed Guangzhou Evergrande (winning the 2015 Chinese Super League and AFC Champions League) and Palmeiras (winning the 2018 Brazilian league title).

In Their Own Story

The rain had not stopped for three days. The Centenário's grass was a brown-green swamp, and the floodlights turned the mist into a pale, swirling curtain. Scolari stood at the touchline, arms crossed, his cap pulled low. A young winger had just dribbled past two men and, instead of laying the ball back to the striker in the box, cut inside and shot wide. The ball hissed into the netting. Scolari did not shout. He simply raised one finger, pointed at the winger, and waited. The player jogged back, breathing hard, and met the coach's gaze. Scolari said nothing. He walked to the whiteboard, drew a single arrow from the winger's position to the striker's, and tapped it twice. The winger nodded. On the next phase, the same sequence played out—and this time the ball found the striker's boot, and the Olímpico roared. Scolari allowed himself the faintest smile, then turned back to the board.

Reader's Guide

Scolari is a dual citizen of Brazil and Italy. He is known for a pragmatic, 'un-Brazilian' style of football. His first return to Grêmio was in 1993, where his team lacked a clear superstar and relied on hardworking players like Francisco Arce, Dinho, Paulo Nunes, and Mário Jardel.

Did You Know?

• Scolari is a dual citizen of Brazil and Italy, descended from Italian immigrants.
• He was nicknamed 'Perna-de-Pau' ('Wooden Leg') during his playing career due to his perceived lack of skill.
• He led Grêmio to the 1995 Copa Libertadores title and the 1996 Brazilian Championship.