Luiz Felipe Scolari

Lore & Background

Scolari was born in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul. A defender regarded as more uncompromising than skillful, he was known among his contemporaries as "Perna-de-Pau" ("wooden leg"). His playing career encompassed spells with Caxias, Juventude, Novo Hamburgo, and CSA; he often captained his sides. It was with CSA that he won his only major title as a player – the 1981 Campeonato Alagoano. He described himself as a central defender who was tough, physically strong, and had good positional sense and leadership qualities. Upon retiring as a player in 1982, he was appointed manager of CSA. After spells with Juventude (twice), Brasil de Pelotas, Pelotas, and Al Shabab, he moved to Grêmio, where he won the 1987 Gaúcho state championship. He returned to Grêmio in 1993, winning six titles in three years, including the 1995 Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship the following year. He later managed Júbilo Iwata, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, the Brazil national team (winning the 2002 World Cup), Portugal, Chelsea, and Guangzhou Evergrande, among others.

Reader's Guide

Scolari is a dual citizen of Brazil and Italy. He is considered one of the greatest and most successful managers of all time. He led Brazil to a World Cup win in 2002, Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, and won multiple domestic and continental titles with clubs like Grêmio, Palmeiras, and Guangzhou Evergrande.

Did You Know?

• Scolari's nickname 'Felipão' means 'Big Phil' in Portuguese.
• He managed the Brazil national team to victory in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.