Born on May 6, 1994, Italo Ferreira is a Brazilian professional surfer who hails from the small community of Baía Formosa, in Rio Grande do Norte, on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Known for his high-energy approach and explosive surfing style, Ferreira has made a significant impact on the World Surf League (WSL) Men’s Championship Tour since his debut.
Here you can follow Italo Ferreira’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
About Italo Ferreira
Italo Ferreira was born in the city of Baía Formosa, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. This coastal city, known for its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing conditions, played a significant role in shaping Ferreira’s early interest in surfing.
Early Career
Italo Ferreira’s journey into professional surfing began in his hometown of Baía Formosa, a small community in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. His talent was first spotted at a junior contest in Ponta Negra by Luis ‘Pinga’ Campos, a talent scout responsible for discovering many notable Brazilian surfers.
Campos took Ferreira under his wing, and by 2011, Ferreira was competing at the Junior World Championships, where he won two rounds and finished as the runner-up in the overall category.
Professional Career
Ferreira’s professional career took off when he qualified for the World Championship Tour in 2014, after winning two rounds of the Junior World Championship in 2011 and finishing runner-up in the category.
He quickly made a name for himself with his strong backhand and vicious rail game. During his rookie season in 2015, he made the Semifinals in Rio and the Quarterfinals in Fiji and Tahiti, earning him the “Rookie of The Year” award.
The Brazilian surfer’s most notable achievement came in 2019 when he won the WSL World Championship, marking his best year to date.
Ferreira continued to showcase his talent and competitive spirit, which was further highlighted by his historic win at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, where he claimed the first men’s Olympic surfing gold medal.
Italo Ferreira’s Net Worth Details
Italo Ferreira’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional surfer, endorsements, and other sources.
Prize Money
Italo Ferreira, a Brazilian professional surfer, has earned significant prize money throughout his career. He has won multiple world titles, including the 2019 World Surf League Championship, and has earned over $2 million in prize money from his surfing career.
For instance, in the 2018 Rip Curl Pro, Ferreira earned $100,000 for his victory. In the Oi Rio Pro 2022, he placed third and earned $40,000.
In the MEO Portugal Pro 2022, he also placed third. The prize money for each competition can vary. For example, the winner of each of the 11 Championship Tour (CT) events takes home $100,000. For winning the Olympic surfing gold medal in the Tokyo Summer Olympics, Ferreira received $37,500
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
| 2015 | $41,600 |
| 2016 | $27,500 |
| 2017 | $22,400 |
| 2018 | $43,070 |
| 2019 | $59,740 |
| 2021 | $31,660 |
| 2022 | $40,460 |
Endorsements
Italo Ferreira has partnered with several brands throughout his career. He has signed endorsement deals with brands such as Red Bull, Oakley, Billabong, Bridgestone, Ford, and T. Patterson.
In 2022, he partnered with SwellTech, a brand that produces specialized longboards designed for surfers.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Italo Ferreira |
| Nickname | Italo |
| Birth Date | 1994 |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Birthplace | Baía Formosa, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Current Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend | Giovana Dias |
| Instagram Profile | @italoferreira |
Girlfriend
Italo Ferreira’s girlfriend is Giovana Dias, a Brazilian model and social media influencer. Known for her stunning beauty and charismatic personality, Giovana has amassed a significant following on various platforms.
Career Stats
| Year | Competitions Won | Rankings |
| 2015 | 7 | 2nd |
| 2016 | 15 | 3rd(x2) |
| 2017 | 22 | 5th(x2) |
| 2018 | 4 | 1st(x3) |
| 2019 | 1 | 1st(x3) |
| 2021 | 3 | 1st |
| 2022 | 2 | 3rd(x3) |
| 2023 | 25 | – |
FAQs
1. Who is Italo Ferreira?
Italo Ferreira is a Brazilian professional surfer born on May 6, 1994, in Baía Formosa, Brazil. He is known for his aerial surfing style and has achieved significant milestones, including being the 2019 WSL World Champion and winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal in surfing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
2. How did Italo Ferreira start surfing?
Italo learned to surf using the lid of a cooler box his father used for transporting fish. He later borrowed boards from his cousins and was eventually discovered by Brazilian surf coach Luiz ‘Pinga’ Campos, who helped nurture his talent and guide him into professional surfing.
3. What are Italo Ferreira’s major achievements in surfing?
Italo won the WSL World Championship in 2019 and became the first Olympic surfing gold medalist at Tokyo 2020. He has also won events like the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and Red Bull Airborne, showcasing his versatility as both a competitive and freestyle surfer.
4. What is Italo Ferreira’s surfing style?
Italo Ferreira is known for his “goofy” stance and aerial tricks. His ability to perform high-speed spins above the wave lip has made him a standout competitor, especially in smaller wave conditions like those at Tokyo 2020.
5. What challenges has Italo Ferreira faced in his career?
Italo has faced injuries, such as torn ankle ligaments in 2017, which impacted his performance that year. Additionally, he experienced a robbery where thieves stole his truck and surfboards. Despite these challenges, he has consistently rebounded to achieve success.
6. What legacy is Italo Ferreira building for his community?
Italo founded an institute in Baía Formosa to teach young people surfing skills and provide them with opportunities for growth. His efforts aim to inspire future generations and promote surfing as a positive outlet for personal development.
7. What sponsorships does Italo Ferreira have?
Italo is sponsored by several major brands, including Nike, Red Bull, Oakley, and Ford. His partnership with Nike marks the brand’s return to surfing after over a decade away from the sport.
8. What was Italo Ferreira’s performance at Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
At Tokyo 2020, Italo won gold despite breaking his board during the final heat against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi. He scored an impressive total of 15.4 points to secure victory, making history as the first Olympic champion in men’s surfing.
9. How does Italo Ferreira spend his time outside competitions?
Italo leads a quiet life focused on surfing and enjoying time with family in Baía Formosa. He often films his sessions, rides quad bikes on the beach, and engages in other hobbies like skateboarding.
10. What makes Italo Ferreira unique among surfers?
Italo combines competitive prowess with progressive free-surfing skills, excelling in both arenas. His aerial tricks and adaptability to various wave conditions have established him as one of the most dynamic surfers in the world today.
