Boston Legacy FC, the newest National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, has officially named Filipa Patão, 36, as its inaugural head coach. Patão brings an extraordinary record from Portugal’s Benfica, including five straight league titles and a historic Champions League quarter-final run. She is set to arrive in Boston this July, pending visa approval, to begin preparations for the club’s debut in the 2026 season.
Proven Track Record
Patão boasts an impressive 156‑28‑15 record across all competitions during her tenure at Benfica (2020–2025). She led the team to:
- Five consecutive Campeonato Nacional Feminino titles
- First-ever quarter-final appearance for a Portuguese women’s club in the UEFA Champions League (2023–24)
- Nomination for the inaugural 2024 Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year award.
Her accolades mark her as one of Europe’s premier handlers in women’s soccer.
Vision and Style of Play
Patão is expected to instil a commanding, aggressive game philosophy in Boston. She told ESPN:
“First of all, they’re going to see that my teams are very, very competitive, very intense, very aggressive… I like to press; I like to win the ball fast because I like to have the ball.”.
Describing her tactical flexibility, she added:
“I like to be chameleonic… You need this capacity to change a little bit when it is necessary to win.”.
Her approach—high press, possession-led, and adaptable—aligns with Boston Legacy’s mission to build a strong technical identity and winning culture under GM Domè Guasch.
Endorsements from Boston Leadership
Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner, emphasized Patão’s alignment with the club’s ethos:
“Filipa demonstrates all of the qualities that personify this club and the way we want to play: with passion, grit, and style… We can’t wait to watch her build Boston’s next championship team.”.
GM Domè Guasch echoed this sentiment, saying Patão is the right leader to cultivate both culture and performance:
“Filipa is a coach I believe can help us build a great culture where players understand they will come here to grow and learn.”.
From Portugal to Boston
Patão’s coaching journey started in 2007 within Benfica’s youth ranks, progressing from U‑15 to U‑19, before taking over the senior women’s side in 2020.
Her leadership delivered unprecedented European success and Manchester-champion dominance in Portugal, making her one of the most sought-after talents in women’s soccer.
Next Steps for Boston Legacy
- Visa & relocation: Patão is expected to move to Boston in July once paperwork is finalised.
- Roster build: Club can begin signing players from July 1. There will be no expansion draft; instead, new teams receive additional allocation funds.
- Pre-season planning: Patão and Guasch will immediately start forming an identity-focused structure—training setups, tactical plans, and player recruitment strategy.
- Home stadium: Boston Legacy will play its debut 2026 season at Gillette Stadium, before moving to a rebuilt White Stadium.
What This Monts for Boston & NWSL
- Elevates club identity: Hiring a high-profile, tactically astute coach signals Boston’s intention to compete from the outset.
- Boosts league prestige: Patão’s international reputation underscores the NWSL’s growing global appeal.
- Model for talent: Her track record of youth development aligns with the club’s goal to foster and grow elite female athletes locally and internationally.
Final Take
Boston Legacy FC’s appointment of Filipa Patão as their first head coach is a bold move grounded in ambition, tactical sophistication, and development acumen. With her record at Benfica and clear tactical vision, Patão is well-positioned to sculpt Boston into a fierce contender from the club’s inception. Her leadership will shape training, recruitment, and competitive standards as the team prepares for its NWSL debut in 2026.
