This summer, he arrived in Portugal with the task of filling the void left by Guilherme Meira, and swiftly displayed his talent. Brazilian futsal player Thalles, from AD Fundão, is the focus of Young Talents feature for this month.
Thalles’ journey with futsal began at a young age, around “when I was six or seven years old.” Initially playing in the neighborhood with friends, he quickly transitioned to more formal training at futsal schools in his city. “I haven’t stopped since then,” he recalls.
For many starting their futsal careers, the choice between the court and the pitch is a pivotal childhood battle, but for Thalles, the court always held sway. “I tried to play football, but I didn’t like it. I hardly touched the ball and didn’t enjoy it,” he admits. Thus, sneakers consistently won over football boots, making futsal the cornerstone of Thalles’ life at AD Fundão.
Pursuing his aspirations to play abroad and in top-tier leagues
Thalles, at just 22, boasts extensive experience in European futsal. His journey commenced early when, at 17, he first considered an opportunity in Spain. “But being underage, I delayed the decision. At 18, nearly 19, the chance to join Santa Coloma in Spain arose,” he recounts. Without hesitation, he seized the opportunity, yearning to play abroad in a competitive league.
Upon arriving in Spain, Thalles noticed stark differences between Brazilian and European futsal. “Brazilian futsal is more technical and of higher quality, with less emphasis on tactics compared to Portugal and Spain,” he observes. Despite this contrast, Thalles found familiarity in the style of play, attributing it to Magnus‘ international exposure. However, language and cultural adjustments posed initial challenges, particularly in adapting technically to tactical play.
This summer marked Thalles’ move to AD Fundão, an opportunity arising from Guilherme Meira’s departure.
Conversations had begun earlier, especially considering Meira’s transition to Cartagena, facilitating Thalles’ transition to Fundão. “My manager asked about my preferences, and I expressed my happiness to join Fundão due to friendships and the team’s play style,” Thalles states, highlighting the swift negotiation closure with Couto, the team manager.
His inaugural season in Portugal has seen Thalles secure ten goals in 12 rounds, establishing himself as one of the league’s top scorers. His adaptation to the new environment has been smooth, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. However, the team experienced a slight dip after an initial streak of seven consecutive victories. Despite this setback, Thalles remains optimistic, acknowledging the team’s resilience and determination to improve.
The transition to a fixed position from his accustomed winger role at Fundão stemmed from Meira’s departure. Thalles acknowledges this change as pivotal to his goal-scoring spree, a rarity for a fixed player. Nevertheless, he emphasizes his adaptability to different positions, a necessary skill in futsal.
Regarding future aspirations, Thalles remains focused on immediate goals, emphasizing a step-by-step approach.
While international representation remains a dream, he prioritizes performing consistently at Fundão. The support of his new family at Fundão, comprising teammates and his girlfriend who joined him, has helped ease the transition and foster a sense of belonging.
Reflecting on his journey, Thalles credits his family’s unwavering support, enabling him to pursue his passion for football despite being away from home since the age of 18. He also identifies his idols in the sport, highlighting the influence of Falcão and Bateria, not just as exceptional players but also as exemplary individuals.
As the conversation winds down, Thalles offers a message to aspiring talents: “Never abandon your dreams; persist despite obstacles. Consistent effort and dedication will yield results for everyone, just as it did for me.”