Palmeiras and USP strike deal on sports neuroscience; details | OneFootball

A benchmark in Brazil for athlete support and infrastructure, Palmeiras has had, since the beginning of 2025, a space called the Recovery and Neuroscience Center, aimed at optimizing athletes’ physical and mental recovery through different activities, techniques, and therapies, such as neuroscience, Pilates, and acupuncture.

Palmeiras and USP partnership

NOSSO PALESTRA has learned that Verdão and the School of Physical Education and Sport at the University of São Paulo (EEFEUSP) signed a partnership agreement in recent days, valid for 24 months.

The partnership aims to develop research related to Sports Neuroscience activities, as well as provide professional training for members of Palmeiras’ Health and Performance Department.

NP has learned that the agreement is a continuation of the work already being carried out between the club and USP, and that the university, with credibility recognized nationally and internationally, will help improve the processes already implemented at Verdão.

The importance of neuroscience in sports

In 2025, at the inauguration of the Recovery and Neuroscience Center, Daniel Gonçalves, Palmeiras’ health and performance coordinator, explained the processes being carried out with the players.

– Within the concept of neuromodulation, the athlete is able, through their brain activity, to understand their behavior in relation to intrusive thoughts that can generate negativity and anxiety. As a result, this can be regulated through positive thinking and breathing. This holistic approach is enhanced by the relaxing environment, and the athlete comes to understand themselves better – he said

– This equipment is state-of-the-art and helps athletes develop self-regulation and self-awareness techniques. The athlete reaches a certain brainwave state, and that is transferable to the game after, for example, making a mistake. Our body has hormones and countless other chemical manifestations that contribute to better concentration, muscle quality, motor activity... In short, it is a very broad path to follow. We believe the future will be shaped a great deal by these neuroscience-related issues – he concluded

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