PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – Grêmio has appointed Jéssica de Lima as the novel head coach of its women’s team, the club announced Wednesday. De Lima replaces Cyro Leães, who was dismissed on Monday, and has signed a contract that extends through December 2027. The move comes as Grêmio seeks to turn around a challenging start to the Brasileirão Feminino season.
The appointment marks a significant moment for the club, bringing in a coach with a proven track record in Brazilian women’s football. De Lima, 44, arrives from Ferroviária, where she established herself as a prominent figure in the sport. Her tenure with Ferroviária spanned two years and nine months, making her the longest-serving coach in the history of the Brazilian women’s game.
A Proven Track Record
During her time at Ferroviária, de Lima oversaw 97 matches, achieving a record of 53 wins, 23 draws, and 21 losses. She guided the team to a Copa Paulista Feminina title in 2023 and a runner-up finish in the Brazilian Championship the same year. Her leadership also secured Ferroviária’s qualification for the Copa Libertadores Feminina in 2022, 2024, and 2025, as well as the Supercopa do Brasil Feminina in 2024. These accomplishments demonstrate her ability to build a competitive squad and consistently challenge for top honors.
De Lima’s coaching journey began with a foundation in physical education. She initially worked as a fitness coach at Realidade Jovem, eventually transitioning into the role of head coach. She also gained valuable experience as an assistant coach with Brazil’s under-20 national team, honing her skills in player development and tactical strategy.
Addressing a Difficult Start to the Season
Grêmio’s decision to change leadership comes after a disappointing start to the Brasileirão Feminino campaign. The team has suffered three consecutive defeats – to Santos, Palmeiras, and most recently, a Rio-based side – leaving them without a point through the first three rounds of the competition. This early struggle prompted the club to seek a change in direction, hoping de Lima can revitalize the team’s performance.
The urgency of the situation is clear. Grêmio currently faces a four-point deficit to the qualifying spots in the league table. The club is hoping de Lima’s arrival will inject new energy and tactical insight into the squad, enabling them to climb the standings and compete for a playoff berth. For context, the Brasileirão Feminino operates with a complex points system and a competitive playoff structure, making every match crucial.
A Familiar Opponent Awaits
De Lima’s debut with Grêmio will be a particularly noteworthy occasion, as she is scheduled to face her former club, Ferroviária, on Saturday at Fonte Luminosa in Araraquara. The match, set to begin at 18:00 local time (21:00 UTC), presents an immediate challenge for the new coach, pitting her against the team she successfully led for nearly three years. It’s a quick opportunity to demonstrate her tactical acumen and inspire her new players.
The timing of this fixture adds an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. De Lima’s intimate knowledge of Ferroviária’s players and strategies could prove invaluable, but she will also be keenly aware of her former team’s strengths and weaknesses. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to secure a positive result.
The appointment of Jéssica de Lima signals Grêmio’s commitment to building a successful women’s football program. Her experience, tactical expertise, and proven ability to develop players make her a promising candidate to lead the team forward. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as she works to implement her vision and guide Grêmio back to contention in the Brasileirão Feminino.
Grêmio will look to quickly turn things around under de Lima’s guidance. The next match against Ferroviária will be a key indicator of the team’s progress and their ability to compete at a high level. Fans will be watching closely to see how de Lima’s leadership impacts the team’s performance and their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Worth a look
