Kerala Blasters FC on Wednesday announced the signing of Portuguese attacker Tiago Alexandre Mendes Alves, ahead of the upcoming season.
The 29-year-old arrives from Japan’s J1 League, where he played for Tokyo Verdy.
While primarily a left winger, Alves can also play as a centre-forward and attacking midfielder, which will give Kerala Blasters tactical flexibility in the final third.
Alves began his footballing education in Portugal’s esteemed youth systems, progressing through clubs such as Sporting CP, Académica Coimbra, and Os Belenenses before making his senior breakthrough with Varzim SC.
ALSO READ: Bengaluru FC signs Argentine midfielder Braian Sanchez ahead of Super Cup
In 2019, he moved abroad, signing with Olimpia Grudziądz in Poland’s I liga, where a strong run of form secured him a move to Piast Gliwice in the country’s top division.
His most prolific spell came in Japan, where he flourished with Montedio Yamagata in the J2 League, recording 24 goals in 67 appearances across two seasons. Short stints with Botafogo-SP in Brazil and Tokyo Verdy in Japan followed.
“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. I look forward to giving my best on the pitch, working hard, and scoring goals,” Tiago Alves said after signing with the club.
Published on Oct 08, 2025
