Thiago Mendes is one of those names that resonates on Brazilian and international pitches—a gritty defensive midfielder with vision and game-reading ability who has navigated the turbulent waters of professional football. Born on March 15, 1992, in São Luís, Maranhão, he embodies the essence of Brazilian football: technique combined with determination. With a career that took him from regional fields to elite European stadiums, Mendes has built a path marked by titles, challenges, and emotional returns home. At 33 years old, in December 2025, he remains active, wearing the Vasco da Gama jersey and contributing to decisive moments in national competitions.
His trajectory is not just about trophies but about overcoming obstacles. From a youth product at Goiás to an undisputed starter at clubs like Lyon and Lille, Thiago Mendes has always prioritized the collective. In Brazil, he is remembered for his solidity in midfield, recovering balls and distributing passes with surgical precision. This versatility—playing as a defensive midfielder or even as a center-back—makes him a valuable asset in any team. But what truly defines Mendes is his ability to adapt, whether in the heat of the Brasileirão or the rigor of the French winter.
Early Career at Goiás: The Foundations of a Future Star
It all began at Goiás Esporte Clube, where Thiago Mendes took his first professional steps. Revealed in the Verdão’s youth ranks, he debuted for the senior team in 2012, at age 20. It was an unforgettable season: Goiás won the Campeonato Goiano and, more importantly, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. Mendes, with his 1.77m height and sharp right foot, quickly became a key piece in the Esmeraldino midfield.
Over three years at the Goiano club, from 2012 to 2014, he played 137 matches in the Brasileirão and scored nine goals—impressive numbers for a holding midfielder. His trademark was his game-reading: precise interceptions and quick transitions to attack. In 2013, Goiás repeated the state title, and Mendes was one of the tournament’s standouts. That phase shaped his competitive character. “Football at Goiás taught me to value every opportunity,” he would say years later in interviews with local media.
His rise attracted international scouts, but Mendes opted for an intermediate step in Brazil before crossing the Atlantic. His departure from Goiás in 2014 marked the end of a victorious era and the start of a more ambitious journey.
Stint at São Paulo: Growth and Challenges at Tricolor
In 2015, Thiago Mendes signed with São Paulo FC, one of Brazilian football’s giants. The transfer was seen as an investment in the future: the club needed midfield reinforcements to compete for titles. In his early months, he faced adaptation to the frantic pace at Morumbi, but he soon imposed himself. With 112 appearances and eight goals over three seasons (2015-2017), Mendes helped Tricolor in solid Brasileirão campaigns and the Copa Libertadores.
One of the sweetest moments was winning the Florida Cup in 2017, a friendly tournament in the United States that served as preseason. São Paulo beat River Plate in the final, and Mendes was key to the victory. Off the field, he engaged in social projects at Morumbi, visiting underprivileged communities and encouraging young athletes—a reflection of his Maranhão roots.
However, injuries and internal competition limited his full shine. In 2017, with his contract nearing its end, a European opportunity arose. Lille, from France, bet on the Brazilian to bolster their defense. It was the springboard to a European chapter that would last years.
Adventure in France: Lille and Lyon, the International Peak
Ligue 1 would be the perfect stage for Thiago Mendes to shine. Arriving at Lille in 2017, he found a team in reconstruction. Over two seasons (2017-2019), he played 66 matches and scored three goals, helping the club stay in the French elite. His partnerships with players like Jonathan Ikoné and Loïc Rémy were crucial for important wins, such as against PSG. Mendes adapted quickly to the physical intensity of French football, praised by local media for his “Brazilian elegance in tackling.”
The big leap came in 2019, when Olympique Lyonnais signed him for around €14 million. At Lyon, from 2019 to 2023, he played 114 matches and contributed two goals. It was there that Mendes experienced his best years in Europe. The club won the Emirates Cup in 2019, and he started in the Coupe de la Ligue final, though the team finished as runners-up to PSG. In seasons like 2019-2020, his pass accuracy rate exceeded 90%, numbers that placed him among the league’s best midfielders.
Injuries plagued him in 2022, but Mendes returned stronger, extending his contract until 2025. His departure from Lyon in 2023 was emotional: fans filled Lyon’s airport to bid farewell to the “Brazilian warrior.” That European phase not only enriched his resume but also transformed him into a respected tactical leader.
Experiences in the Middle East and Return to Brazil
After Lyon, Thiago Mendes sought new horizons at Al-Rayyan in Qatar, from 2023 to 2025. The stint in the Middle East was more low-key—with limited official appearances recorded—but served as a period of recovery and planning. He used the time to study tactics and prepare for a return to Brazilian football, which had always been his dream.
In July 2025, Vasco da Gama announced his signing, a strategic reinforcement for the Cruzmaltino midfield. Signing until December 2027, Mendes arrived with a market value estimated at €2-3 million, bringing international experience to a team seeking stability in Série A.
Current Events in 2025: Standout at Vasco da Gama
2025 has been a year of redemption for Thiago Mendes at Vasco. Quickly integrating into the squad, he has played several matches in Série A, making a notable defensive impact. His average tackles per game is among the team’s highest, helping Vasco position itself in the mid-table.
A highlight came on the night of December 11, 2025, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals at the Maracanã (or São Januário). Mendes started in Vasco’s 4-2-3-1 setup alongside Cauan Barros in midfield. The match against Fluminense was electrifying: the Tricolors opened the scoring with Kevin Serna in the 22nd minute, but Rayan equalized early in the second half at the 50th. The comeback came in stoppage time, with Pablo Vegetti heading in for 2-1 in the 94th minute. Mendes, playing the full 90 minutes, was crucial in containing Fluminense’s attacks, recovering vital balls and distributing play to the forwards. “It was a night of Vascaíno grit,” he commented post-match in a press conference.
With this victory, Vasco takes an advantage into the return leg, and Mendes becomes a central piece in the title fight. Off the field, he has engaged in social actions in Rio, visiting football projects in favelas, inspired by idols like Zico and Romário. His current form suggests 2026 could be one of consolidation at the Carioca club.
Achievements and Legacy: More Than Numbers, Stories
Throughout his career, Thiago Mendes has accumulated achievements that go beyond the pitch. With Goiás: two Campeonato Goianos and the Série B title. At São Paulo: the Florida Cup. In Europe: the Emirates Cup and runner-up in the Coupe de la Ligue. In total, over 350 professional league matches and 13 goals.
Though he has not worn the senior Brazil national team jersey—a gap he regrets but attributes to fierce competition—Mendes participated in under-23 call-ups and friendlies. His legacy is one of resilience: from injuries to cultural adaptations, he always returned stronger. For young midfielders, he is an example of professionalism, with rigorous training routines and family focus.
Conclusion: A Chapter Still Open
Thiago Mendes is more than a player; he is a living narrative of Brazilian football abroad and the return to roots. At 33, with a contract until 2027, he has energy for more glories at Vasco. If the Copa do Brasil semifinal is a harbinger, 2025 could end on a high note. In the end, Mendes reminds us that football is about persistence, passion, and above all, connection with the ball and the fans. May more chapters come in this inspiring story.
