Sada Cruzeiro head coach Filipe Ferraz was still giving interviews on the court of Ginásio do Ibirapuera when he received the traditional “ice bath” after winning the 2025/2026 Superliga. More than accustomed to the ritual, the coach couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he celebrated his 60th title with the celestial team.
Ferraz joined Sada Cruzeiro in 2010, just four years after the project began. Already experienced at 30, the then-outside hitter became a key piece in building a winning team. On the court, he won three Club World Championships, seven South American titles, and six Superliga trophies – a total of 39 titles as a player. Since taking over as head coach in the 2021/2022 season, he has maintained the winning trajectory, adding 21 more trophies. Of the five Superliga finals he has reached as a coach, he has won four, cementing himself as the competition’s greatest champion.
“Sometimes history blends a little – Sada Cruzeiro and Filipe Ferraz. I’ve been here since 2010, and I think the project started to grow from there, chasing titles. I’m really content, very happy, and I thank everyone who believes in our work, the coaching staff, and especially the players, who are the stars that shine and make this happen,” he said.
The path to the team’s tenth Superliga title, however, was not straightforward. Ferraz admitted difficulties in adjusting the team’s strategy throughout the season, especially after Wallace’s absence due to right knee surgery. “Wallace is my captain, my leader, he brings a different energy to the team. For a long time, I was without the option of the inversion. Oppenkoski filled in well, but I was tied in some situations and had to maintain balance with this team all season,” he explained.
After a tough semifinal series against rival Minas, Cruzeiro faced Campinas in the final – a team that had given them trouble. The Minas Gerais side had not won any of their four meetings during the season and felt the weight of the jersey. Ferraz worked on the athletes’ mental aspect to minimize pressure on the court. “Whether we like it or not, Sada Cruzeiro carries the weight of having to win, having to reach the final, but that’s not what it’s about. I think our duty is to deliver our best. We know there are people on the other side, and today the team was brilliant. They took off that ‘backpack’ that was weighing them down, that they didn’t need to carry,” he concluded. {IMAGE_1}
The coach Filipe Ferraz celebrates the Superliga title alongside Sada Cruzeiro players (Photo: Wander Roberto / Inovafoto / CBV)
