Italo
Ferreira
Brazil
·
Surfing
Date of birth | 6 May 1994 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Baia Formosa, Brazil |
Age | 31 |
Nationality | Brazil |
Career start | 2011 |
Disciplines | Surfing Competition |
Ítalo Ferreira is one of the most dynamic and successful surfers of his generation. Born in the coastal town of Baía Formosa, Ferreira grew up close to the ocean in a fishing family and first learned to surf on the lid of a cooler box before getting his first real surfboard. From an early age, his natural talent and passion for the sport became clear.
Remarkable ability from an early age
As a teenager, Ferreira began competing in junior surf contests and quickly made a name for himself. His aggressive style, strong turns and ability to perform high aerial manoeuvres helped him stand out and he eventually earned him a place in the elite World Surf League
In 2019, Ferreira won the WSL World Championship in a dramatic final at the legendary Banzai Pipeline, defeating fellow Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina to secure his first world title and establish himself as one of the sport’s top competitors.
Gold on the biggest stage of all
Another historic moment in Ferreira’s career came in Tokyo in 2021, where surfing made its debut on the biggest stage. Ferreira won the gold medal, defeating Kanoa Igarashi in the final to become the sport’s first Olympic champion.
Throughout his career, Ferreira has won several Championship Tour events at locations such as Jeffreys Bay, Bali and Peniche, becoming a key figure in Brazil’s dominant generation of surfers known as the “Brazilian Storm.”
In 2025, Ferreira picked up one victory at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and eventually finished the season in fourth place.
The Brazilian paddles out in Tahiti in 2025
© Domenic Mosqueira/Red Bull Content Pool
Italo Ferreira dropping the hammer at Punta Roca
© Be Ryder/World Surf League
Italo Ferreira, ice cold in a blown glass cylinder
© Matt Dunbar/World Surf League
Brazilian icon Italo Ferreira spinning to a first round win in El Salvador
© Ben Reed/ISA