Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of Portuguese attacker Tiago Alexandre Mendes Alves, bringing international experience and tactical versatility to their forward line ahead of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season. The 29-year-old arrives from Japan’s J1 League club Tokyo Verdy, becoming the club’s second foreign acquisition of the transfer window after Spanish center-forward Koldo Obieta Alberdi joined last week. Born in Coimbra—the same Portuguese city that produced legendary midfielder Deco—Tiago Alexandre brings a proven track record across multiple leagues and the ability to operate in various attacking positions, providing head coach David Catala with valuable tactical options as the Blasters prepare for their Super Cup campaign in Goa starting October 25.
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Player Profile and Tactical Versatility
Tiago Alexandre Mendes Alves represents a strategic addition for Kerala Blasters FC, offering the kind of positional flexibility that modern football demands. While primarily deployed as a left winger throughout his career, the Portuguese attacker has demonstrated proficiency across the entire frontline.
Tiago Alexandre’s Positional Versatility
| Primary Position | Secondary Positions | Playing Style |
|---|---|---|
| Left Winger | Center Forward, Attacking Midfielder, Right Winger | Quick movement, intelligent positioning, clinical finishing |
| Preferred Foot | Right | Allows him to cut inside from left wing onto stronger foot |
| Height | 1.77m (5’10”) | Suitable for various attacking roles |
| Age | 29 years | Peak years for an attacker |
This versatility mirrors that of Kerala Blasters FC’s Moroccan star Noah Sadaoui, who has similarly excelled in multiple attacking roles. The addition of Tiago Alexandre provides tactical insurance and competition for places, ensuring Kerala Blasters FC maintain attacking depth throughout a demanding campaign.
Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys emphasized this tactical flexibility: “We are very pleased to welcome Tiago to Kerala Blasters. He is a player who has consistently demonstrated his quality across various leagues and we believe his versatility and attacking instincts will be a strong addition to our squad. We believe his presence will bring more unpredictability and balance to our forward line as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Career Journey: From Sporting CP to Asian Football
Tiago Alexandre’s football education began in Portugal’s renowned youth development systems, providing him with technical foundations that have served throughout his professional career. His journey through Portuguese football and subsequent international experience offers Kerala Blasters FC a player familiar with adapting to different footballing cultures and tactical approaches.
Career Timeline
| Period | Club | League/Country | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth | Sporting CP, Académica Coimbra, Os Belenenses | Portugal | Youth development at Cristiano Ronaldo’s boyhood club |
| 2016-2019 | Varzim SC | Portugal (Segunda Liga) | Senior breakthrough, professional debut |
| 2019-2020 | Olimpia Grudziądz | Poland (I liga) | 6 goals, 4 assists in 18 matches |
| 2020-2021 | Confiança | Brazil | International experience in South America |
| 2021-2023 | Montedio Yamagata | Japan (J2 League) | Adapted to Asian football |
| 2024 | Tokyo Verdy | Japan (J1 League) | 12 appearances in top-tier Japanese football |
| 2025 | Kerala Blasters FC | India (ISL) | Current club |
Youth Development at Sporting CP: Tiago Alexandre progressed through Sporting CP’s legendary academy—the same institution that produced Cristiano Ronaldo, Luís Figo, and numerous other Portuguese internationals. While he didn’t break into Sporting’s first team, this foundation provided technical skills and tactical understanding that have defined his career.
Professional Breakthrough: His senior debut came with Varzim SC in July 2016 during a Taça da Liga match against Olhanense. Varzim, competing in Portugal’s Segunda Liga, provided the platform for Tiago Alexandre to establish himself in professional football.
International Adventures: In February 2019, he made his first move abroad, joining Olimpia Grudziądz in Poland’s I liga (second tier). His strong form—6 goals and 4 assists in just 18 appearances—demonstrated his ability to adapt to different footballing environments and secure subsequent moves.
His Brazilian adventure with Confiança exposed him to South American football’s unique style, while his extended stint in Japan’s professional leagues proved particularly valuable. Spending time with both Montedio Yamagata (J2 League) and Tokyo Verdy (J1 League) gave him experience in one of Asia’s most competitive and tactically sophisticated football environments—experience that should ease his transition to the Indian Super League.
Career Statistics and Goal-Scoring Record
According to Transfermarkt, Tiago Alexandre brings substantial professional experience to Kerala Blasters FC, having accumulated impressive numbers across his career in multiple countries.
Professional Career Statistics
| Stat Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Professional Matches | 172 |
| Goals Scored | 42 |
| Assists Provided | 16 |
| Goal Contributions | 58 |
| Average per Match | 0.34 goal contributions |
These statistics reveal a consistent attacking threat throughout his career. With 42 goals and 16 assists across 172 professional appearances, Tiago Alexandre has directly contributed to 58 goals—averaging a goal contribution approximately every three matches. For a winger who often plays wide rather than centrally, these numbers demonstrate genuine attacking output.
His most productive spell came during his time in Poland, where his 6 goals and 4 assists in just 18 matches represented exceptional form that earned him moves to higher-profile leagues. His Japanese experience, while perhaps not matching those goal-scoring heights, provided valuable tactical education in one of Asia’s most organized leagues.
Recent Circumstances and Market Value
Tiago Alexandre officially became a free agent on January 1, 2025, after parting ways with Tokyo Verdy at the conclusion of the 2024 season. He made 12 appearances for the J1 League club between March and September 2024 before his contract expired.
Market Value Timeline
| Date | Market Value | Status | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2024 | ₹4.8 Crore | Active at Tokyo Verdy | Peak recent valuation |
| January 2025 | Free Agent | Out of contract | Available without transfer fee |
| October 2025 | ₹3.2 Crore | Signs for Kerala Blasters FC | Value adjusted after inactivity |
His market value dropped from ₹4.8 crore to ₹3.2 crore, primarily due to his extended period without competitive match action since September 2024. Transfermarkt conducted a scheduled market value update for free agents who had been inactive for over six months, which coincidentally went live shortly after Kerala Blasters FC’s announcement of his signing.
While the nine-month gap in competitive football represents a concern, it also means Kerala Blasters FC have secured an experienced international attacker without paying a transfer fee—allowing budget allocation elsewhere. The club’s medical and coaching staff will focus on quickly restoring his match fitness and sharpness ahead of the Super Cup and ISL campaign.
Club Leadership’s Vision
Kerala Blasters FC’s leadership expressed confidence that Tiago Alexandre represents exactly the type of signing needed to elevate the squad’s attacking capabilities.
CEO Abhik Chatterjee outlined the strategic thinking: “Tiago’s signing reflects our commitment to building a dynamic squad for the season. His ability to adapt across multiple attacking roles, combined with the experience he’s gained across Europe and Asia, makes him a perfect fit for our footballing philosophy. We believe he brings not just quality, but also a winning mentality and the kind of creativity that can unlock games. As we push towards our goals this season, I believe Tiago will be a vital part of our offensive setup and a player our fans will enjoy watching.”
This statement reveals Kerala Blasters FC’s ambitions for the upcoming campaign. By emphasizing “winning mentality” and “creativity that can unlock games,” the club signals their intention to compete at the top end of the ISL table rather than merely consolidate.
Player’s Perspective and Ambitions
Tiago Alexandre expressed enthusiasm about his new challenge in India, demonstrating eagerness to make an immediate impact for Kerala Blasters FC.
“I am very excited to begin this new chapter with Kerala Blasters and to have the opportunity to play while taking on a new challenge in Asia,” the Portuguese attacker stated. “I look forward to giving my best on the pitch, working hard and scoring goals.”
His mention of “taking on a new challenge in Asia” acknowledges his previous Japanese experience while recognizing that Indian football presents distinct demands. The ISL’s growing profile, passionate fan bases, and improving quality have attracted increasing numbers of international players in recent years, and Tiago Alexandre’s willingness to embrace this challenge reflects positively on his mentality.
How He Fits Kerala Blasters FC’s System
Head coach David Catala has implemented a possession-based approach at Kerala Blasters FC that emphasizes creating chances through patient build-up play and exploiting spaces in the final third. Tiago Alexandre’s profile suits this philosophy in multiple ways.
Technical Attributes:
- Intelligent Positioning: Reads spaces well and makes timely runs
- Quick Movement: Can stretch defenses with pace on the flanks
- Clinical Finishing: Right-footed preference allows cutting inside from left
- Versatility: Provides tactical flexibility across multiple formations
- European Technical Education: Sporting CP background ensures solid fundamentals
His ability to play across the front line means Catala can deploy various formations without sacrificing attacking balance. Whether Kerala Blasters FC utilize a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or 4-4-2, Tiago Alexandre can slot into left wing, right wing, attacking midfield, or even as a second striker depending on tactical requirements and opposition profiles.
Squad Depth and Competition
Tiago Alexandre joins an Kerala Blasters FC attacking unit that already features established talent. His arrival creates healthy competition for places while providing insurance against injuries and suspensions.
Attacking Options at Kerala Blasters FC:
- Noah Sadaoui (Morocco): Versatile attacker, key player
- Adrián Luna (Uruguay): Creative midfielder/attacker
- Koldo Obieta (Spain): Center-forward, signed last week
- Tiago Alexandre (Portugal): Left winger/versatile attacker
- Domestic attackers: Various Indian players competing for positions
This blend of nationalities and playing styles gives Kerala Blasters FC genuine attacking variety. Sadaoui and Tiago Alexandre offer similar versatility, while Obieta provides a traditional center-forward option. Luna’s creativity from deeper positions complements the more direct threats posed by the wingers and strikers.
Upcoming Challenges: Super Cup and ISL Campaign
Kerala Blasters FC’s immediate focus centers on the Super Cup, which commences on October 25 in Goa. This tournament provides Tiago Alexandre with an ideal opportunity to build match fitness, integrate with teammates, and demonstrate his capabilities before the ISL season begins.
2025-26 Season Objectives for Kerala Blasters FC:
- Strong Super Cup performance to build momentum
- Consistent ISL form challenging for top-four finish
- Deep cup runs in domestic competitions
- Developing chemistry among new signings
- Entertaining attacking football for passionate fanbase
The club’s passionate supporters in Kochi—known as some of the most dedicated in Indian football—will eagerly anticipate seeing their new Portuguese attacker in action at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Kerala Blasters FC consistently attract massive crowds, and Tiago Alexandre’s European pedigree and versatility should endear him to fans seeking attacking flair.
Jersey Number and Squad Integration
Tiago Alexandre will wear the number 77 jersey for Kerala Blasters FC during the 2025-26 season. His contract runs through May 2026, providing stability for the current campaign with potential for extension based on performance.
The pre-season preparation period allows crucial time for Tiago Alexandre to recover full match fitness after his nine-month absence from competitive football, understand Catala’s tactical systems, build relationships with teammates, and adapt to Indian conditions including climate and travel demands.
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FAQs
What positions can Tiago Alexandre play for Kerala Blasters FC?
Tiago Alexandre is primarily a left winger but can also operate as a center-forward, attacking midfielder, or right winger. This versatility provides Kerala Blasters FC tactical flexibility across various formations and match situations.
What is Tiago Alexandre’s career goal-scoring record?
In 172 professional matches across Portugal, Poland, Brazil, and Japan, Tiago Alexandre has scored 42 goals and provided 16 assists—averaging approximately 0.34 goal contributions per match throughout his career.
Which famous club academy did Tiago Alexandre train at?
Tiago Alexandre developed through Sporting CP’s youth academy in Portugal—the same institution that produced Cristiano Ronaldo. He also trained at Académica Coimbra and Os Belenenses during his youth development.
When will Kerala Blasters FC begin their 2025-26 season?
Kerala Blasters FC will participate in the Super Cup starting October 25 in Goa. This tournament precedes the main Indian Super League season and provides opportunity for new signings to integrate.
How long is Tiago Alexandre’s contract with Kerala Blasters FC?
Tiago Alexandre signed a one-year contract with Kerala Blasters FC that runs through May 2026. He will wear the number 77 jersey for the upcoming season.
