I had the privilege of being coached by Mister Vale for four seasons, which were some of the most transformative and impactful years of my career. Having experienced a variety of coaching styles throughout my career, I can confidently say that Mister Vale stands out for his unique and personal approach. What sets him apart is his ability to actively listen and truly understand each player on an individual level. He takes the time to connect with his players, which allows him to bring out his most impactful and authentic self as a coach. During my time at Benfica, a pivotal period when my career began to soar, Mister Vale was instrumental in my development. He understood my aspirations and provided the guidance I needed to align my goals with the path to achieving them. There’s a story that brings this all together. It was a time when I felt I needed a new challenge and believed it was time to change clubs. Initially, I felt isolated and was just bidding my time until I could make that next step in my career. Mister Vale, however, took the time to connect with me personally. He spoke to me and said he wanted me to know that he was on my side and that his goal was to do what was best for me as an athlete and person. When coaches speak, it isn’t always genuine—but with him, I could feel the authenticity. I knew he wanted me to achieve the highest pinnacle of success in my career. That authenticity built a place of mutual trust. Instead of withering away and feeling isolated during those final months at the club, he helped me continue to grow and push for more, both at a club and personal level. Those months turned into a time of great progress: I was able to help the team win championships and prepare myself for the next step in my career. He is the type of coach who thinks outside the box. He values dynamic, fluid play over rigid tactics, promotes sustainable growth and success, and inspires a positive and driven mindset in his players. His respect for his players fosters mutual respect in return, creating an environment where growth and excellence thrive. Mister Vale’s coaching style is transformative, and his ability to uplift and inspire players leaves a lasting impact. I am grateful for the role he played in my journey, and the lessons I learned under his guidance will stay with me throughout my career. Cloé Lacasse