Introduction Anderson Souza Conceição, better known as Talisca, is one of the most vibrant names in contemporary Brazilian football. Born on February 1, 1994, in the city of Feira de Santana, in the state of Bahia, Talisca embodies the essence of Brazilian talent: refined technical skill, impressive physical strength, and an innate ability to decide games in crucial moments. Standing at 1.90 meters and naturally left-footed, he stands out as a versatile attacking midfielder, capable of playing as a second striker, playmaker, or even as a center forward in varied tactical setups. Throughout his career, Talisca has played for iconic clubs across different continents, winning titles and admirers worldwide. From his roots in Bahian street football to the gleaming pitches of Saudi Arabia and now Turkey, his journey is marked by highs and lows, but always with the shine of someone born for the sport. In November 2025, at 31 years old, Talisca is living a new chapter in his career at Fenerbahçe, where he has established himself as a key piece under José Mourinho’s command. This biography dives into the life and work of this star, exploring from his first steps to his most recent achievements, without forgetting the style that makes him unique.
Early Steps in Bahian Football Roots in Feira de Santana Feira de Santana, known as the “City of Leather,” is a cradle of talent in Bahia’s interior. It was there that Talisca grew up, in an environment where football was more than a game: it was a way to dream and escape routine. The son of a humble family, Anderson began kicking a ball on the dusty streets of the neighborhood, inspired by idols of the era like Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Kaká. His early dribbles were awkward, but his powerful and precise shot already caught the neighbors’ attention. At 13, in 2007, Talisca joined the youth ranks of Bahia de Feira, a local club that served as an entry point to professional football. There, he learned the fundamentals: short passes, game vision, and the typical northeastern grit. But it was at Esporte Clube Bahia, the Steel Tricolor, that his story truly took off. In 2010, at just 16, he was integrated into the under-17 team, where he quickly became the standout. Coaches from that time recall Talisca as a “gentle giant”: tall, but with refined touches, always seeking the goal from any position.
Professional Debut at Bahia Talisca’s debut for Bahia’s first team came in 2012, during the Campeonato Baiano. Freshly 18, he took the field against Vitória da Conquista and scored his first professional goal from a penalty. The Tricolor fans cheered the youngster’s composure, who celebrated with a humble gesture, pointing to the sky in honor of his mother. That year, Talisca played 12 matches, scoring four goals and providing two assists—modest numbers, but enough to attract European scouts. In 2013, his rise was meteoric. Under coach Marcelo Chaves, Talisca became a starter in Brasileirão Série A. He scored nine goals in 31 games, including a historic hat-trick against Náutico at Pituaçu. His shots from outside the box, with curve and power, became his trademark. The Bahian press nicknamed him “The Cannon of Bahia,” and transfer rumors to Europe began circulating. At season’s end, Bahia rejected offers from Italian clubs, betting on the boy’s potential. But destiny was already charting bigger paths: in 2014, Talisca signed with Benfica in Portugal for around 4 million euros, an amount that changed his family’s life.
The European Adventure: Benfica and Beşiktaş Arrival at Benfica and Adaptation Lisbon welcomed Talisca with open arms in July 2014. Benfica, one of Portuguese football’s giants, saw in him the successor to names like Ángel Di María. At 20, the Brazilian faced the challenge of adapting to the European pace: more tactical games, organized defenses, and cold winters that contrasted with Bahian heat. In preseason, he impressed with goals in friendlies, but competition was fierce, with names like Enzo Pérez and Nicolás Gaitán in midfield. His official debut was in the Taça da Liga against Sporting de Covilhã, where he scored twice. In the 2014-2015 season, Talisca played 31 matches, with 11 goals and six assists. His highlight was the 4-3 win over Marítimo, where he scored a stunning volley from outside the box, voted the month’s best in the Primeira Liga. Benfica won the Portuguese Championship and the Taça da Liga that campaign, with Talisca as a key rotation player. Off the pitch, he dedicated himself to learning European Portuguese and local culture, frequenting churrascarias to ease homesickness for Brazil.
Loan to Beşiktaş: Shining in Turkey In 2016, with new reinforcements arriving at Benfica, Talisca was loaned to Beşiktaş in Istanbul. Turkey, with its fanatical passion for football, seemed the perfect place for him to explode. Under Şenol Güneş, Talisca became the maestro of the Black Eagles. In the 2016-2017 season, he played 33 games, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists. His derbies against Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe became classics: in one against Fener, he hit a free kick that kissed the post, earning applause even from rivals. Beşiktaş won the Süper Lig in 2016 and 2017, and Talisca was voted the league’s best foreigner in the second season. His free kicks, reminiscent of Juninho Pernambucano, and powerful headers from set pieces made him an idol. In 2017-2018, before returning to Benfica, he scored 17 goals in 35 matches, including a poker against Gençlerbirliği. Beşiktaş fans still chant his name in hymns, and Talisca always declares Istanbul as his “second home.” The loan was a springboard: upon returning to Benfica in 2018, his market value had tripled, but he opted for a new adventure.
Asian Experiences: Guangzhou and Al-Nassr Guangzhou Evergrande: The Chinese Challenge In January 2018, Talisca signed with Guangzhou Evergrande in China on a millionaire contract of 6 million euros per year. The club, coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, was building a star-studded team with Paulinho and Ricardo Goulart. Talisca arrived as the “new Rivaldo,” a nickname given by the Brazilian press for his on-field elegance. In the Chinese Super League, he adapted quickly to the physical and fast-paced Asian football. Across three seasons (2018-2021), Talisca played 79 matches, scoring 48 goals—an impressive average of 0.6 per game. Highlights include a hat-trick on debut against Shanghai SIPG and a bicycle kick against Beijing Guoan that went viral on social media. Guangzhou won the league in 2019 and 2020, and Talisca was top scorer in 2020 with 21 goals. Off the field, he invested in social projects in Bahia, donating to football schools in Feira de Santana. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the league, but Talisca maintained his form, training at home with rigorous routines.
Al-Nassr: Partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo In February 2021, Talisca traded China for Saudi Arabia, signing with Al-Nassr for 14 million euros. The Riyadh club sought a partner for Sadio Mané and, later, for Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7’s arrival in December 2022 turned Talisca into a co-star. Together, they formed a lethal duo: Ronaldo with his precision, Talisca with his power. Across four seasons (2021-2025), Talisca played 147 games, with 81 goals and 25 assists. In 2023, he was the Saudi League’s top scorer with 25 goals, surpassing Ronaldo in some months. Iconic moments include a free-kick goal against Al-Hilal in a classic that stopped Saudi Arabia, and a hat-trick in the 2024 Asian Champions League. Al-Nassr won the King’s Cup in 2022 and the Arab Champions League in 2023, with Talisca captaining some matches. His chemistry with Ronaldo was palpable: in interviews, CR7 called him “Brazilian brother,” and they exchanged passes that dismantled defenses. Talisca also engaged in charity, such as hospital visits in Riyadh, showing his humanitarian side.
The Brazilian National Team: An Intermittent Dream Youth Categories and Senior Debut Talisca always dreamed of the Canarinho jersey. In 2011, at 17, he was called up to the Under-17s for the South American Championship, where he scored three goals and helped Brazil reach the semifinals. Two years later, in the Under-20s, he shone at the 2013 FIFA World Cup with two goals against Uruguay. These feats put him on Tite’s radar, but competition was fierce with names like Lucas Paquetá and Everton Ribeiro. His senior debut came in 2019, in a friendly against Senegal, where he came on in the second half and nearly scored. In total, Talisca has nine caps, with two goals: one against Peru in the 2022 Qualifiers and another in the 2021 Copa América. His last call-up was in 2023, for games against Bolivia and Peru. Current coach Dorival Júnior praised his versatility, but injuries and preference for domestic players kept him out of the 2022 World Cup. Talisca respects the decisions but declares: “My dream is to return and help Brazil become six-time champions.”
Playing Style and Unique Skills Talisca is the prototype of the modern Brazilian attacking midfielder. His left foot is a lethal weapon: medium- and long-range shots traveling over 100 km/h, with unpredictable curves. He is a master of set pieces, with a free-kick conversion rate above 20% in his career. Physically imposing, he wins 70% of aerial duels, scoring headers reminiscent of Ronaldo Fenômeno. His game vision is refined: he reads the lines and delivers pinpoint passes, averaging 1.5 assists per season at top clubs. Defensively, he contributes with high pressing, recovering balls in the offensive third. Critics point out he can be overly individualistic, but his coaches, like Mourinho, value this as “courage.” Off the field, Talisca is disciplined: yoga and pilates keep him in shape, and he avoids controversies, focusing on family.
Achievements and Titles: An Illustrious Palmarès Talisca’s career is dotted with trophies. At Bahia, he won the 2012 Campeonato Baiano. At Benfica, he lifted the Primeira Liga (2014-15, 2015-16) and Taça da Liga (2014-15). At Beşiktaş, two Süper Lig titles (2015-16, 2016-17) and the Turkish Super Cup (2016, 2017). At Guangzhou, three Chinese Super League titles (2018, 2019, 2020) and the Chinese Super Cup (2018). At Al-Nassr, King’s Cup (2022), Arab Champions League (2023), and Saudi Super Cup (2024). Individually, he was top scorer in the Primeira Liga in 2015 (shared), Süper Lig in 2018, and Chinese Super League in 2020. In 2023, he won Saudi Arabia’s Player of the Year. His market value in November 2025 hovers around 8 million euros, per Transfermarkt, reflecting his consistency.
Personal Life: Family, Faith, and Social Legacy Off the pitch, Talisca is a family man. Married to Brazilian model Camila Oliveira since 2016, the couple has two children: Sofia, 7, and Lucas, 4. They live discreetly, splitting time between Istanbul and Feira de Santana. Talisca is a fervent evangelical, crediting his faith for his victories: “God gave me this gift, and I give back with gratitude.” His social legacy is strong. In 2018, he founded the Talisca Foundation, which builds football schools in Bahia’s underprivileged communities, benefiting over 500 children. During the pandemic, he donated medical equipment to hospitals in Feira de Santana. Friends describe him as generous and humble, always ready for a barbecue with teammates.
Latest Updates: The Renaissance at Fenerbahçe The Transfer to Istanbul in 2025 In June 2025, after four glorious years at Al-Nassr, Talisca agreed to return to Turkey, signing with Fenerbahçe for three seasons on a 5-million-euro annual contract. The news surprised the press: under José Mourinho, the “Special One,” the yellow-navy club sought an experienced playmaker. Talisca, already an idol in the neighboring country, arrived in Istanbul as a hero, greeted by thousands of fans at the airport. The choice was driven by personal challenges: “I wanted a new cycle, close to Europe and with a legendary coach,” he said in a press conference. Leaving behind his partnership with Ronaldo—which yielded 45 combined goals—Talisca embraced Mourinho’s project to win the Süper Lig and advance in the Champions League.
Performance in the 2025-2026 Season As of November 2025, Talisca has been Fenerbahçe’s engine. In the Süper Lig, in 11 games, he scored five goals and provided zero assists, but his influence goes beyond numbers: 638 minutes played, with an 86% pass accuracy rate. His standout was in April against Trabzonspor, where he scored a masterful hat-trick, capped by a stunning 25-meter volley that completed his treble. The goal, voted the month’s most beautiful, went viral and earned praise from former players like Alessandro Del Piero. In the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Talisca played three matches, with 134 minutes and a crucial goal against Bayern Munich in an epic 2-1 comeback. Mourinho describes him as “the team’s brain,” praising his maturity at 31. Minor injuries sidelined him for two weeks in September, but he returned stronger, helping Fener lead their group in Europe. Rumors of Flamengo interest for 2026 were denied by the Rio club in November, which opted for other reinforcements. Talisca, however, focuses on the present: “I’m happy here, but Brazil always calls.” His adaptation has been perfect, with family dinners and extra training to maintain his edge.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making Talisca is more than a player: he is proof that talent, persistence, and humility can take a boy from Feira de Santana to the pinnacle of world football. From his Bahian roots to European and Asian titles, he has built an admirable career, marked by unforgettable goals and legendary partnerships. At 31, at Fenerbahçe, Talisca is writing a new chapter, inspiring youth in Brazil and beyond. His future? Perhaps a return to Brazilian Série A, or more glory in Turkey. What matters is that Anderson Souza Conceição, Talisca, continues to enchant, shooting for the goal and for history. May there be more hat-tricks, more trophies, and, who knows, more call-ups to the Canarinho. Football is grateful.
