Palmeiras: Abel Ferreira voted Portugal’s top coach this century

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Nosso Palestra

·29 gennaio 2026

Palmeiras: Abel Ferreira voted Portugal’s top coach this century

Coach Abel Ferreira, from Palmeiras, was elected the best Portuguese coach of the 21st century in a poll promoted by the newspaper ‘A Bola’, one of Portugal’s most traditional sports dailies, which will celebrate its 81st anniversary in 2026. The result was announced this Thursday (29th) and gathered votes from journalists and fans, as part of a series of special polls about the greatest names in sports over the last 25 years.

Currently Palmeiras’ coach, Abel surpassed a heavyweight list that includes José Mourinho, Jorge Jesus, Leonardo Jardim, Fernando Santos, André Villas-Boas, Rúben Amorim, Sérgio Conceição, Paulo Fonseca, and Marco Silva.

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Historic Recognition

The election consolidates Abel Ferreira as one of the most prominent coaches in recent Portuguese football history, especially due to the international impact of his work. Since arriving in Brazilian football in 2020, Abel has collected titles and built a victorious and long-lasting career, something rare in South American football.

Among his main achievements are two Libertadores, two Brazilian Championships, Copa do Brasil, Recopa Sudamericana, and state titles, in addition to consistent campaigns in continental competitions.

Surpassing Giants

The result draws attention for placing Abel ahead of José Mourinho, a multi-champion coach in Europe and Champions League winner with Porto and Inter Milan, and Jorge Jesus, who made history at Benfica and achieved enormous success at Flamengo.

Other names who were left behind are linked to major international projects, such as Leonardo Jardim, French champion with Monaco and former Cruzeiro coach, and André Villas-Boas, former coach of clubs like Porto, Chelsea, and PSG.