Júlio Baptista appointed São Paulo FC U-20 head coach

Former professional footballer Júlio Baptista has been appointed as the head coach of the São Paulo FC U-20 team, signing a contract that runs until December 31, 2028. Baptista, who previously played for major clubs including Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Sevilla, is implementing a strict disciplinary regime at the club's training center.

His new protocols include banning profanity during training sessions and restricting mobile phone usage during meals, pre-match briefings, and practice to prevent distraction. Baptista emphasized that modern coaches must be multifaceted and that maintaining player connection is vital for success.

Reflecting on his playing career, Baptista described the experience of playing alongside the ‘Galácticos’ at Real Madrid—including Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham—as both an incredible opportunity for improvement and a source of immense public pressure. He noted that the high level of fame required significant security and that the competitive nature of teammates like Zidane drove him to improve.