Emerson Sheik Remembers Corinthians’ Libertadores Glory and Gets Emotional: “Father Tite”
This Friday (July 4) marks 13 years since Corinthians lifted their first Copa Libertadores title. To commemorate the anniversary, players from that historic 2012 squad will return to Pacaembu this Saturday (July 5), at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time), to face Boca Juniors veterans in a friendly called Reencontro de Gigantes. Emerson Sheik, the hero of that final, will be among those present.
Sheik scored both goals in Corinthians’ 2-0 victory over Boca Juniors on July 4, 2012, sealing the club’s first continental title. Speaking at Pacaembu this Friday alongside former captain Alessandro and coach Tite, Sheik became emotional when recalling that historic achievement and its impact on his career.
The forward, who also won Brazilian championships with Flamengo and Fluminense, credited Corinthians for solidifying his place in football history.
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“It’s hard to talk about Corinthians,” Sheik said. “I came back to Brazil at 30, first to Flamengo, where I was welcomed. Then to Fluminense, where I scored a title-winning goal. But at Corinthians, it felt different. From the first day, I was welcomed by the staff, directors, and fans. I truly became Emerson Sheik after Corinthians.”
Gratitude Toward Tite
Emerson Sheik worked under coach Tite during his first and second spells at Corinthians. During the press conference, he set aside his usual irreverent style to thank the coach for shaping both his personal and professional life.
“I have 700 thousand stories,” Sheik reflected. “In 2012, everything on the pitch was different from what I was living off it. I was single, getting into trouble, but I had incredible moments with Professor Tite. I grew professionally, became more responsible, a better son, brother, and father. I used to call him ‘Father Tite.’ Football needs people like him he changes lives. It wasn’t just me; he pulled many ears, but only for our best. When I understood that, my life changed in an incredible way.”
Collective Glory
Although Sheik scored the two decisive goals in the 2012 final, he prefers not to wear the “hero” label alone, insisting on recognizing the entire team’s effort.
“After the game, I knew people would remember me for those goals. But I have to share it with the group,” he said. “Anyone could have scored. It was a magical moment, but the greatest emotion was winning the title. I feel uncomfortable being called a hero because it was everyone’s achievement. If not for everyone, Corinthians wouldn’t be champions.”
Sheik had three spells at Corinthians (2011–2013, 2015, and 2018), playing 196 matches, scoring 28 goals, and winning seven trophies: two Campeonato Paulista titles, two Brasileirão titles, the Libertadores, the Club World Cup, and the Recopa Sul-Americana.
