Guilherme Ferreira: From Brazil to Morocco & World Cup Dreams – Exclusive Interview

Guilherme Ferreira’s career has been a remarkable journey, taking him from the academies of Brazil to Portugal’s football leagues – from the Campeonato de Portugal to the Liga Portugal 2 – before a move to Morocco and participation in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup last June.

In an exclusive interview, the Brazilian player shared his experiences in Portugal, his thoughts on competing in the Club World Cup, and offered his perspective on the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Read the full interview:

You began your career at the Cruzeiro academy. How would you describe the level of competition in Brazilian youth football?

The competition in Brazilian youth academies is intense. As the saying goes, kids are born with a ball at their feet. This creates a huge pool of talent.

It becomes a marketplace from a very young age, at the grassroots level. There’s a lot of competition because there are so few spots available for so many players. I’ve seen many talented players who couldn’t reach the top, despite having the potential to do so.

Is it difficult to stand out? What are coaches looking for, given the abundance of talent?

I think there was a period where physical attributes were prioritized over natural talent. Youth categories wanted to win at all costs. They often sought strong players, emphasizing those physical characteristics. But a player’s development timeline can differ.

I believe Brazil suffered from this, neglecting talent in favor of physicality. This was because physical attributes make a difference in children aged 12 and 13. Brazilian youth football started focusing on results rather than development, losing sight of nurturing players for future success. That really hindered progress.

You did play senior football in Brazil, but ultimately decided to move abroad. What prompted your departure? Was it a lack of opportunities?

I suffered a serious injury. During my junior year, I sustained a lumbar injury. This caused me to miss a crucial period in my transition to professional football. In youth football, being sidelined can set a player back significantly. I even managed to make my senior debut with a smaller team in Brazil, but then the pandemic hit, which was difficult for everyone.

I’m not saying the injury was solely responsible for my lack of progress. For example, at Cruzeiro, it was the final straw. But knowing that it’s a club with many other talented players, the injury certainly played a role. That’s why I didn’t get that opportunity in Brazil.

You joined Chaves in Portugal, immediately loaned to Pedras Salgadas. Was that a good team to make the transition to European football?

I think it was the best possible team. Chaves was very important to me, and the loan to Pedras was the best option. I had a great coach, a good club, and the chance to compete, which is what I wanted in Portugal. In my opinion, for a 20 or 21-year-old, the Campeonato de Portugal is a good league. I had everything I needed to develop my game and adapt to football, because it’s very different.

Leaving Brazil, Portugal is a different world. It’s fast-paced, tactical, and you have to be intelligent and learn. I had an exceptional coach, Gustavo, who was incredibly important to me. So, I think that period at Chaves and Pedras was crucial for adapting to Portuguese football.

And how was life in Portugal? How did you adjust?

I came to Portugal with a friend, which helped. However, the cultures are different. Even though the language is the same, there are cultural nuances. And then there’s the cold, which I think is the hardest thing for a Brazilian to get used to. The rain and everything else make it tough.

But aside from that, I lived in Chaves and everyone there was very welcoming. I think the cold is the biggest challenge. Otherwise, you make friends. I made a lot of friends through football in Portugal, especially in Chaves, which really helped.

You had a successful season at Juventude Pedras Salgadas in the Campeonato de Portugal and moved up to Fafe in Liga 3. Did you find the step up challenging?

There’s a noticeable difference at that level. I started facing more experienced, stronger players. Liga 3 is practically a professional league. You encounter tougher teams and more experienced players. That was also important for my growth and continued development. I think there is a difference.

But I think the Campeonato de Portugal prepares a player well for that level. It’s a natural progression. Anyone who has a good season in the Campeonato de Portugal can adapt well to Liga 3.

The following year, you moved again, still in northern Portugal. Was that a coincidence, or did you enjoy the north and not want to try the south of the country?

It was purely coincidental. If there had been a better opportunity in the south, I would have taken it. But it was simply a matter of opportunity. That’s when I went to Feirense. It was an opportunity for me. Chaves wanted me, Feirense wanted me, and I had no problem with it.

I was moving up another level. I felt prepared. The location in the north was just a coincidence. If it had been a team in Lisbon, that wouldn’t have been a problem.

The move to Felgueiras proved to be a launching pad. What happened to allow you to have one of the best seasons of your career?

At Felgueiras, I achieved something I hadn’t been able to do at Feirense: consistency. I was able to maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the season. I started the season injured, with a problem, but from the moment I started playing, I didn’t stop. I played practically every game.

And I was able to maintain that level, along with the team. It was a well-organized, cohesive team. That helped a lot. I fit into the team and was able to maintain my consistency. I think being consistent was what I was missing. And I found that consistency at Felgueiras, which allowed me to get where I am today.

You’ve had some injuries throughout your career. How did you cope with those? Was there a moment when you thought it might be over?

Definitely, because injury is a footballer’s worst enemy. The last one, especially, at the beginning of the season with Felgueiras – a pubic injury – didn’t seem to improve. That messes with your head. You start to overthink things, feeling discouraged by not being able to play and seeing no progress in treatment. Not being able to recover to play. That’s what makes a player doubt themselves.

However, I always tried to take care of myself as much as possible to get back on the field. It’s a fight against yourself, because when you’re injured, your mind starts to imagine all sorts of things. It’s about fighting that. Without a doubt, injury is the worst enemy of a footballer.

You started to gain recognition at Felgueiras. Were there offers from Liga Portugal?

Yes. Not officially, but there was talk of interest from some clubs. I can’t say which clubs specifically. There was some interest, some inquiries, but nothing more than that.

And abroad? Besides Wydad Casablanca, were there any other offers?

Yes. There was a remote possibility of a return to Brazil, to teams in Serie A. And a few other countries in Northern Europe. But nothing very official. There were inquiries about my contract length and the situation with my club.

You joined Wydad Casablanca to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. What was it like to be on such a massive stage?

When Wydad came along, it was an opportunity that didn’t even require a second thought. Beyond being the biggest club in Morocco, with a huge fanbase, it was the chance to play in the Club World Cup. That’s every player’s dream. So, when that opportunity arose, I just wanted to get there as quickly as possible.

It was incredible. I didn’t expect something of that magnitude. And when it happened, I just wanted to get there as fast as possible.

In that competition, you faced world-class players. Who surprised you the most at the Club World Cup?

I wouldn’t say “surprised.” I was watching them on television and already knew how good they were. And on the field, you could confirm that. The player I enjoyed watching the most was Phil Foden of Manchester City. I think he’s a phenomenal talent. His close control, oriented dominance, and technical quality are frightening.

And Haaland is also frightening. His strength, speed, and positioning are incredible. They are players of the highest possible level. Everything you think they are good at, they really are when you play against them. They are truly good. That’s why they’re there.

You have a photo of Haaland pinned on your Instagram. How do you stop a player like that?

It’s about concentration all the time and not giving him space. When I went into that game against Manchester City, I approached it as the game of my life, because I wanted to play my best. I was reaching a higher level in my career, playing against Manchester City and against Haaland.

Everyone is asked to concentrate, but when you enter a game like that, it’s different. You try to be as alert as possible to not give even a little space. And we know that these players can cause a lot of damage with even the smallest opportunity.

Guilherme Ferreira in action defending Manchester City forward Erling Haaland© Getty Images

You joined a club with some of the most passionate fans in Morocco. What’s the atmosphere like at games?

An atmosphere I’d never seen in football, witnessed live. I’d say the fans are professionals. If there was a profession for being a fan, they would be professional fans. They go to games to make the team win. They don’t worry about watching the game or the team playing well.

They go to do their job, which is to give energy to the team, with all that excitement. And that gives an extra boost on the field, for sure. So, the fans here, from the first game, was something that surprised me a lot. Even at the Club World Cup, there were many fans. It was a huge crowd. It was incredible. And here in Casablanca, it’s indescribable what they do. They have a party at every game, the stadium is always full. It’s crazy.

Are away games more complicated because of that as well?

Sometimes. In our last game, the stands were full, packed with fans. So, some games that are closer, the stands are full even when playing away. But there was one game that was very far away. There weren’t many. But otherwise, it’s a full house. Home or away, it’s always full.

Guilherme Ferreira with Wydad AC fans at the 2025 Club World Cup© Getty Images

You quickly established yourself in the team. Did you immediately feel confidence from your teammates and the coach?

I had complete confidence. Even at the World Cup, a relatively unknown player. Coming from Portugal, without having played in Liga Portugal, for example. They gave me the opportunity to start playing, trusting me. A dream. I always feel their confidence in me. And everything I try to do is give back and do my best to keep playing. Because that’s the most important thing.

You’re in a squad with two Moroccan stars, Amrabat and Ziyech. Is it a dream to play with players of that quality?

Definitely. Beyond the dream, I also try to be inspired by them, who have had such great careers. They’ve achieved everything they could. Having them as teammates is something incredible. In terms of inspiration, looking at them and saying: I want to achieve what they have achieved.

Not to mention how much they bring to the team. Experience, technical quality, no discussion. Having them in the squad and sharing the squad with them is a privilege. It’s a total privilege.

Wydad is currently leading the Moroccan League. Is winning the trophy a goal?

Our goal is to be champions. Of course, a club of this size can’t aim for anything less. We’re here to win titles. We’re on the right track. We have an excellent team.

The team has been playing well, demonstrating good performance in games, organized. Getting good results at home and away. We have every condition to continue like this and win the title at the end of the season.

The team didn’t qualify for the African Champions League last season. Is that a competition you want to compete in and win?

Not just me as a player. Being a Wydad player, I want to give that to the club. The club deserves to compete in the best possible competitions. This year, we’re competing in the Confederation Cup, which is like the Europa League of African football. We’re fighting to the maximum for the title and next season return to the CAF Champions League. The club can’t miss out on a competition like that.

The adaptation from Brazil to Portugal was relatively easy, aside from the cold. How was the adaptation to Morocco?

This, on the other hand, was much more difficult. The climate is great all year round. However, the language barrier is a big challenge. In Portugal, when you speak the language, you can solve your problems. When I arrived in Casablanca without speaking the language, it was difficult.

The beginning was very turbulent. I couldn’t concentrate 100% on training. It was really difficult. But over time, I feel more adapted than when I arrived, obviously. But the beginning is really difficult. There are several factors. It’s a totally different culture. It’s totally different food. Different habits, different schedules.

So, I think that’s harder to adapt to. Having lived 24 years in one way and moving to a different country. So, the adaptation here was quite difficult. But I always felt the support of the people.

You’re a center-back with the ability to score goals. Have you created a celebration for those moments?

I joke that defenders shouldn’t have celebrations. In fact, I’ve never thought of a special celebration. But when I score, I just want to run and hug my teammates. That’s what matters. And I hope to score soon with Wydad Casablanca, because it’s a crazy party. So, I hope to score soon.

On your Instagram, you have a video of a direct free kick you scored in a practice game at Chaves. Do you consider yourself a specialist?

It’s a characteristic I’ve always had. I’ve always scored goals from free kicks. Even in Brazil, in the youth categories. I’ve always had a good strike. I can say that with all humility, but I’ve always had a good strike.

And also with training, it’s something that… It’s a plus that I have. Of course, now with the players I have in the squad, it will be difficult to be the free-kick taker. There’s Ziyech, there are other players who have a lot of quality too. So, I’ll leave it to them.

You have a contract with WAC until 2028, but what are your plans for the future? Return to Europe? To Brazil? Or stay in Morocco?

Well, first I can only think about Wydad. I want to achieve great things. I want the club to achieve things. And of course, personally, I have the dream of playing in Brazil, with my family and friends being able to see me in the stands. So, I also have the dream of playing in Brazil.

But I also don’t think my journey in Europe is over. Because I believe that European football is top football. I love European football. I identify a lot with football in Europe. So, I also have the desire to return to play in Europe.

Was Cruzeiro one of the teams where that dream existed?

No, no. My dream of playing in Brazil is at Atlético Mineiro. If I were to play at Atlético Mineiro, I could end my career on a high note.

Do you believe you could one day reach the Brazilian national team?

Of course. Believing you can get there is one thing, but saying it’s easy is another. I believe that if I play in a great league, have great results, great teams, consistency, and show my quality, I believe I can. It’s still my dream to play for the national team.

Returning to Europe passes a little through that, being seen at the national team level. Of course, as I said, it’s not easy, but the dream of playing for the national team is still alive. I’m 25 years old. I still have time to get there.

With Carlo Ancelotti as coach, do you believe Brazil can return to being the powerhouse it once was?

I believe that Brazil today, with Ancelotti, has a top-level coaching staff and top-level players. I think when that clicks, and Brazil can get the best possible results from both sides, I think we can see a strong Brazil again.

We have everything to return to winning the World Cup and reaching that level we’ve shown before. I think we have the conditions and the players and coach to do it.

Could that happen as early as the next World Cup next year?

I wouldn’t honestly put Brazil as the favorite, but I also can’t rule Brazil out. So, I think so. Brazil has the conditions. We’ll see if the coach, players, and everything else will click. Brazil has the conditions to reach the next World Cup and be champion and return to the top again.

You said you wouldn’t put Brazil among the favorites. Who do you think is the favorite to win the 2026 World Cup?

I think Spain is coming strong. Very strong. I think Argentina is also very strong. Portugal too. I think this is Portugal’s best opportunity to be world champion. Honestly.

Brazil, despite not being the favorite, can’t be ruled out with so many good players. I think those are some of the best teams, I think.

Who is your idol in football?

I have a player who I’m a fan of, who I consider an idol, many Portuguese also consider him to be Hulk. I’m an Atlético Mineiro fan and he’s there now.

But I think from my position, an idol is Thiago Silva. I grew up watching him play at AC Milan, PSG, the Brazilian national team, and so on. I think he’s a monster on defense. So, for me, he’s a great idol, Thiago Silva.

If you had the opportunity to choose to play for Benfica, FC Porto, or Sporting, which would you choose?

I would choose to play for Sporting. I think I like Sporting more, I identify more with Sporting. With the others too, it’s not that I have anything against them, but I think I would fit better at Sporting. Sometimes, it has to do with playing styles. I really liked Sporting under Ruben Amorim, playing with three center-backs, it was good football. I liked watching Sporting play. I think if I had the opportunity, I would always like to play for Sporting.

Wouldn’t it be FC Porto, due to Hulk having played there?

No, FC Porto is a great club. If FC Porto called me to play there, I would go with all the pleasure in the world. But as the question is which of the three I identify with the most, I would choose Sporting.

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