Jefté joins Palmeiras, hails Piquerez, aims for more exposure

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·29 de agosto de 2025

Jefté joins Palmeiras, hails Piquerez, aims for more exposure

Palmeiras officially presented the left-back Jefté this Friday (29), signed from Rangers, Scotland. Even after having already debuted against Sport, the new player gave a press conference at the Football Academy and commented on the competitiveness in the squad and his conversation with Abel Ferreira. The 21-year-old left-back takes on the number 6 jersey.

The 21-year-old player signed a contract with Verdão until July 31, 2030.

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Jefté Speaks

Jefté spoke about the importance of Abel Ferreira's coaching staff in the conversations when he arrived in Brazil and said he wants to help regardless of being a starter or a reserve. He recalled that he is a big fan of Piquerez, the current holder of the left-back position.

They made me feel very comfortable, the players embraced me, Abel and the staff told me to act naturally. I always try to give my best, show why I'm here, thank Abel and Leila for their trust. Always show my best every day, in training and games.

(Piquerez) is a great player, someone I look up to, he's an idol. I'm here to help, whether as a starter or on the bench.

The left-back also commented on his main characteristics and said that the football in Scotland and Cyprus, where he played, does not lack quality compared to Brazilian football.

My game is quite offensive, I'm a full-back who attacks a lot, I like one-on-ones, in my debut it was clear that I like to attack spaces, but the primary role is to defend, there has to be balance.

I don't see it as a lower-level football, I learned a lot being in Scotland and Cyprus. It's a different football, but I learned a lot about my position, decision-making. I'm prepared to help Palmeiras in the goal of becoming champions, I don't see it as a low-level championship, I'm ready for whatever comes.

Jefté also talked about the derby against Corinthians, Palmeiras' next game, this Sunday (31) at 6:30 PM (Brasília time), in a year when Verdão lost the Campeonato Paulista final and was eliminated by the rival in the Copa do Brasil round of 16. In Scotland, the player experienced the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, one of the most intense in the world.

I was there in Scotland with one of the biggest derbies in the world, I learned that in a big club you can't think about losing, you have to think about winning. I had this mindset there and it's about being prepared for everything. We work to win.

Career Path

Jefté took his first steps in his career at the youth academy of Tigres do Brasil-RJ and gained prominence in the Under-20 category of Fluminense, catching the attention of Apoel, Cyprus, where he went on loan in July 2023 even without having played for the professional team of Tricolor das Laranjeiras – in his first season, he became a national champion and was voted the best in his position. A year later, he was sold to Rangers-SCO, for which he played 56 matches (including the Champions League qualifying phase), provided four assists, and scored one goal. At the presentation, he commented on what motivated him to leave Brazil so young.

I wasn't having many opportunities, so when the proposal from Cyprus came, I went there to be more visible, from there I went to Rangers, another leap I took in my career, and my return here is the biggest leap I've taken. Here I will be even more visible. It was a decisive factor to come here.

Jefté is the 11th reinforcement for Palmeiras in the 2025 season. Before him, goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, defenders Bruno Fuchs and Micael, right-back Khellven, midfielders Emi Martínez and Lucas Evangelista, and forwards Facundo Torres, Paulinho, Ramón Sosa, and Vitor Roque joined the team.

Upcoming Palmeiras Matches

Corinthians vs. Palmeiras – Brazilian Championship – 8/31 – 6:30 PM (Brasília time)
Palmeiras vs. Internacional – Brazilian Championship – 9/13 – 6:30 PM (Brasília time)

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