Gleison Bremer is once again the rock at the heart of Juventus’s defence. After undergoing two surgeries, the Brazilian centre-back has returned to his dominant best — a presence that restores both structure and serenity. When he plays, Juve concede only 0.76 goals per game compared to one goal without him. But, as he insists, “it’s the merit of the whole team”.
For Bremer, football is more than a profession — it’s almost a philosophy, as he explained to Corriere della Sera. “‘The Art of War’ is one of my favourite reads,” he explains. “It’s a way of thinking, and of playing.” Having rediscovered his best form, Bremer is combining that warrior mindset with a fresh intellectual curiosity and a renewed artistic passion.
“If you don’t win, you’re always angry”
Reflecting on Juve’s frustrating defeat in Cagliari despite 78% possession, 18 corners and 21 shots, Bremer doesn’t look for excuses. “If you don’t win, you’re always angry. Maybe we need to do better with crosses, even us defenders attacking them. But you also realise that if you play that way, things will turn around.”
When asked if he believes in the concept of beautiful football, Bremer smiles. “Of course, even if you still have to win. Usually, teams that play well end up winning anyway.”
“Spalletti tells me to take more risks — and he’s right”
Luciano Spalletti’s influence on this new Juventus is clear, and Bremer feels it keenly. “When I played in Brazil, I used to carry the ball a lot. In Italy it’s been different, and I didn’t have many coaches who asked me to do that. I started again with Thiago Motta, but then I got injured. Spalletti says I must be more incisive and take more risks — and he’s right.”
Spalletti recently described Bremer as a player who “travels with a regulator”, an observation the defender took positively. “I understood what he meant. After two injuries, you realise you can’t always rely on strength and speed — you must also use defensive awareness. That’s something I’m improving, studying opponents with the help of Juve’s video staff and a match analyst who follows me.”
“Lucio was my model — Chiellini became my mentor”
Bremer didn’t always dream of defending. “I started as a striker — every kid wants to score goals. But a coach in São Paulo told me: ‘If you play in defence, you can become a footballer.’ That was my dream.”
In Italy, some doubted his tactical adaptability. “Those are just labels,” he shrugs. “Sometimes people talk without knowing.”
He feels fully in tune with Spalletti’s philosophy. “I like his game because we keep the ball more, and it’s physically easier. Sometimes I think, ‘Wow, I don’t even feel the weight of my injury anymore.’”
As for role models, Bremer’s inspirations are clear. “Lucio was my model. Then one day, Mazzarri told me I had some traits like Chiellini and should watch him. We spoke, and now he’s a mentor.”
Chiellini’s advice proved timeless. “In my first year, he said: ‘You have to watch the man, not just the ball.’ He’s right — even as a Brazilian I’ve always believed the ball never goes into the net by itself.”
“I learned guitar during recovery — and patience”
Injury took him away from the pitch but brought him closer to his passions. “I learned to play guitar again — it’s something I’ve always loved — and I had more time for my family. Sometimes my daughter Agata, who’s five, would say, ‘Dad, don’t get hurt again.’ And then I read books.”
His favourites? “*The Art of War* and philosophy essays, especially Aristotle — authors who think ahead and have deep visions. During rehab, I also read stories about Baggio and Del Piero. I wanted to understand how you come back from a serious injury.”
And what did he learn? “To be patient. Once I met Alex at J-Medical. He told me, ‘Be calm, don’t rush, and improve your mobility.’”
Bremer even built a small gym at home. “I did it before I got injured, actually. I’ve always cared about preparation. We play football for only 15 to 20 years, so it’s right to work hard and give your all.”
“Winning and writing my name in Juventus history”
Tomorrow’s clash with Mourinho’s Benfica excites him. “He’s a coach who’s won a lot — his teams are clever and tough.” Then comes Napoli on Sunday. Is he worried about missing out on the top four? “I can’t imagine Juventus out of the Champions League.”
As for the Brazilian national team, it remains a firm target. “It’s an objective — I need to do well with Juve. Ancelotti is a great coach, and I know he watches Europe closely.”
Wearing the Juventus captain’s armband was another milestone. “It was beautiful — impossible to explain. Like walking through the J-Museum, it reminds you what this club stands for and where we want to return.”
And his dream? Bremer smiles once more. “To win — and to write my name in the history of the club.”
