‘The right call’: Jefté on Palmeiras rise and first Libertadores final | OneFootball

Jefté was one of the 11 players who joined Palmeiras to strengthen the team this 2025 season. The left-back joined the club during the mid-year transfer window and faces strong competition in his position. With high chances of being a starter against Santos this Saturday, the 21-year-old athlete assessed his growth in about three months at the club.

“I am happy because I think it was the right decision to come to Palmeiras. I have been entering the games to try to help the team, to improve. Thank God, I believe I have responded well. In fact, I did not imagine that at such a young age I would reach a Libertadores final, but I am very happy about it,” he said.

Jefté left Brazil very early and, before wearing the Palmeiras jersey, he had not even debuted for a Brazilian professional team. In just a few months at Verdão, he has the chance to play in his first Libertadores final, which will be against Flamengo. The match will take place on November 29, at 6 PM (Brasília time), at the Estadio Monumental U, in Lima, Peru.

Jefté's Career Path to Palmeiras

Jefté took his first steps in his career at the Tigres do Brasil (RJ) youth academy and gained prominence in Fluminense's under-20 team, catching the attention of Apoel in Cyprus, where he went on loan in July 2023. In his first season, he became a national champion and was voted the best in his position.

The following year, he was sold to Rangers in Scotland, where he played 56 matches, provided four assists, and scored one goal.

Jefté's Stats at Palmeiras

At Palmeiras, Jefté is the immediate backup for Piquerez. The Uruguayan is one of the most established players at the club, making it challenging for the Brazilian. However, Piquerez will be absent from Palmeiras to face Santos, giving Jefté a chance to start. The Uruguayan is with the national team for friendly matches during this FIFA date.

Since joining Palmeiras in August, Jefté has played eight games, three as a starter, and provided one assist. The left-back has not lost any match he started. There have been two victories (against Fortaleza and Juventude) and one draw (against Cruzeiro).

Upcoming Palmeiras Matches

Santos vs. Palmeiras Competition: Brazilian Championship (postponed match of the 13th round) Date and Time: November 15, 2025 (Saturday), at 9 PM (Brasília time) Location: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)

Palmeiras vs. Vitória Competition: Brazilian Championship (advanced match of the 37th round) Date and Time: November 19, 2025 (Wednesday), at 7:30 PM (Brasília time) Location: Allianz Parque, in São Paulo (SP)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.