Peterson Peçanha


Peterson dos Santos Peçanha is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, and a manager.

Playing career

Born in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, Peçanha began his career with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, but did not make any official appearances for the side. In 2001 he signed for Bangu Atlético Clube, again failing to have an impact, and subsequently moved on to América Football Club also in Rio de Janeiro.
In the next three years, Peçanha played for three modest clubs: Novo Horizonte Futebol Clube, Ríver Atlético Clube and São Raimundo Esporte Clube. In 2005, he was bought by F.C. Paços de Ferreira of Portugal, initially as a backup to youth product Pedro; he made his Primeira Liga debut for the team against C.D. Nacional, in a 0–1 home loss on 21 August 2005.
After impressive performances for the northerners, Peçanha eventually became first-choice. In the 2006–07 season he did not miss one minute of action as the club finished in sixth position, qualifying for the UEFA Cup; he continued to start for the duration of his spell.
In July 2008 Peçanha changed countries again, joining Thrasyvoulos F.C. from Greece. After only one season, which ended in relegation, he returned to Portugal, with C.S. Marítimo. On 16 August 2009 he made his official debut, at S.L. Benfica in the season opener. He earned himself the Man of the match award in that game, notably saving a penalty from Óscar Cardozo in a 1–1 draw– the islanders finished in fifth position and qualified for European competition.
After leaving the island of Madeira in the summer of 2012, Peçanha went on to spend several years in the Romanian Liga I, in representation of FC Rapid Bucureşti, FC Petrolul Ploiești and FC Viitorul Constanța. He then returned to Portugal, where he played in quick succession for C.D. Feirense, Académico de Viseu F.C. and Académica de Coimbra.

Coaching career

After retiring at the age of 39, Peçanha returned to Paços de Ferreira as a goalkeeper coach. In September 2019, he was appointed manager of Portuguese third-level team C.D. Trofense. Only one month later, after four games and no wins, he was dismissed.