Luiz Scolari Brazilian football coach. Date of Birth: 09.11.1948 Country: Brazil

1. Luiz Felipe Scolari: A Footballing Journey
2. Early Life and Club Career
3. Brazil and Success Abroad
4. World Cup Glory
5. Portugal and Controversy
6. Incident and Dismissal
7. Chelsea and Beyond

Luiz Felipe Scolari: A Footballing Journey

Luiz Felipe Scolari, a renowned Brazilian football manager, has etched his name in the annals of football history. Having coached clubs and national teams across the globe, he stands as a testament to the artistry and passion that defines the beautiful game.

Early Life and Club Career

Born into an Italian family in Brazil, Scolari inherited his Italian citizenship from his father, a legendary defender in Rio Grande do Sul. Commencing his coaching career with Centro Sportivo Alagoano in the 1980s, he embarked on a nomadic journey that led him to clubs in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. His tenure at Grêmio in 1987 marked a significant turning point, bringing him his first major title, the Copa do Brasil.

Brazil and Success Abroad

In 1991, Scolari returned to Brazil to guide Criciúma to another Copa do Brasil triumph. However, his wanderlust soon propelled him back to the Middle East with Al-Ahli Jeddah. Japan also briefly beckoned him, but Brazil remained his spiritual home. At Palmeiras, he added the Copa Mercosur and Copa Libertadores to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.

World Cup Glory

Scolari's crowning achievement came with the Brazilian national team. Appointed in 2001, he guided the "Seleção" to their fifth World Cup title in 2002, earning him the FIFA World Coach of the Year award. However, pressure from the Brazilian Football Confederation forced his resignation shortly after.

Portugal and Controversy

Undeterred, Scolari took over as manager of the Portuguese national team in 2003. He led them to the 2004 European Championship final, where they narrowly lost to Greece. At the 2006 World Cup, Portugal finished fourth, with Scolari accusing the referee of favoring France in the semifinals.

Incident and Dismissal

Scolari's tenure with Portugal was marred by a physical altercation with Serbia's Ivica Dragutinović during a 2008 European Championship qualifying match. Despite his claims of innocence, UEFA suspended him for four games. His team's disappointing quarterfinal exit at Euro 2008 prompted his departure.

Chelsea and Beyond

In June 2008, Scolari was appointed manager of Chelsea FC. His stint at the helm proved underwhelming, and he was dismissed in 2009. Since then, he has coached in Brazil, Ukraine, and China, leaving an enduring legacy as a master tactician and a tireless advocate for the beautiful game.