In 1997 Lima returned to Santos, being appointed manager of the women's team. He was also in charge of the country for three years, winning four major titles and finishing fifth in 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. After being dismissed by Peixe in late 2010,[3] he also had a short spell at Vitória das Tabocas' men's team.[4]
In April 2015 Lima returned to his first club Santos, being appointed head coach of the club's newly formed B-team.[10] He was sacked in February 2018.
Second and third spell at Santos women's team and harassment incidents
On 29 August 2022, Lima returned to Santos and their women's team, after being again named head coach.[11] He left the club on 7 September of the following year, after several players reported incidents of mobbing and sexual harassment.[12]
On 2 April 2024, Lima returned to the Sereias da Vila for his third spell.[13] Ten days later, Brazilian media outlet ge released an article with former players giving a statement where Lima was harassing them;[14] the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino Série A1 match of Santos against Corinthians in the following day also had protests against harassment from several players from the opposing side.[15]
On 15 April 2024, Lima stepped down from his coaching role, with Santos alleging that the coach "had been suffering criticism and even death threats in the last few days".[16]