Palmeiras prep for Santos derby, Jefté hails form and fatherhood

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·12 November 2025

Palmeiras prep for Santos derby, Jefté hails form and fatherhood

Palmeiras returned to training on the morning of Wednesday (12th), at the Football Academy, and began preparations for the match against Santos, this Saturday (15th), at 9 p.m., at Vila Belmiro, in a postponed game from the 13th round of the Brazilian Championship. Leading the championship with 68 points, Verdão seeks to extend its lead at the top of the table.

Without seven players called up to their respective national teams during the FIFA break (Vitor Roque, Flaco López, Gustavo Gómez, Ramón Sosa, Piquerez, Emiliano Martínez, and Facundo Torres), the squad worked on a technical-tactical training session guided by the coaching staff. Afterwards, the players competed in a small-sided game to fine-tune details ahead of the weekend’s derby.

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One of the novelties for the match could be left-back Jefté, signed from Rangers-ESC in the middle of the season. The young player has made eight appearances for Palmeiras — three as a starter — and has already provided one assist. A finalist in the CONMEBOL Libertadores and in the fight for the Brazilian title, the number six celebrated his decision to return to Brazilian football.

I’m happy because I think coming to Palmeiras was the right decision. I’ve been coming into games trying to help the team, to improve. Thank God, I believe I’ve done well. Honestly, I never imagined I’d reach a Libertadores final at such a young age, but I’m very happy about it. Now we have a very important game on Saturday against Santos, at their home, and we’re going in strong, focused, and determined to get the three points.

Jefté acknowledges the difficulty of the match, especially given the rival’s position in the table.

It’s a tough game, at their home, and they’re fighting against relegation. I’m sure they’ll come in strong as well. We’ve been preparing well and it’s about keeping our minds focused, paying attention to every detail, and listening to what our coach Abel has to say.

In addition to his good form on the field, the player is experiencing a special moment off it. The left-back recently announced on social media that he will become a father for the first time.

It was unexpected, I didn’t think it would happen so soon. When my wife told me we were going to have a child, I was very happy and anxious, because it’s my first time being a father. God gave me this blessing, which is a child, and coming here and living this moment was the best choice.

The recent record favors Palmeiras: since 2020, the club has lost only twice to Santos in 18 encounters, with 13 wins and three draws. At Vila Belmiro, Verdão has only one defeat in seven matches during this period, with three wins — including the most recent, in this year’s Paulista Championship — and three draws.