Fernando Pessoa | U15 Head Coach, Academy
Pessoa brings over 24 years of experience to the Timbers Academy. Joining in 2017, Pessoa began his tenure in Portland as the U-13 head coach (2017-2019) before taking on the U-15 head coach role in 2019. Under Pessoa’s helm, the Timbers U-15 Academy Team earned its first international title when they team captured the 2022 Generation Adidas Cup with a 2-0 victory over Spain’s Valencia CF in April of 2022 in Frisco, Texas. During his time with the Timbers, Pessoa led the U-15’s squad to two playoff runs (2020-2022).
A native of Brazil, Fernando joined the Academy in the fall of 2017. Coaches the U15 age group and helps identify potential academy players. Fernando brings strong ties with the local community and has worked for multiple international clubs.
Off the field, Pessoa began his education in 2002, earning a Physical Education degree at Gama Filho University in Brazil. Pessoa also earned an MBA in Sports Administration at the Getulio Vargas Foundation before beginning his career in soccer.
He holds a USSF “A” and Brazil CBF “A”.