Thiago Maia Alencar (born 23 March 1997), known as Thiago Maia, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Internacional.

Club career

Santos

Thiago Maia playing for Santos in 2017

Born in Boa Vista, Roraima, Thiago Maia began his career at lowly locals Extremo Norte. In August 2010 he moved to São Paulo, joining São Caetano's youth categories, and later moved to Santos in the following year.

On 25 October 2014 Thiago Maia made his first-team debut, replacing fellow youth graduate Serginho in a 1–1 away draw against Chapecoense for the Série A championship. During the 2015 campaign, he profited from the injury of Alison, establishing himself as a starter from June and earning plaudits for his performances.

On 22 August 2015 Thiago Maia scored his first professional goal, netting the second in a 5–2 home routing of Avaí. On 13 October, after lengthy negotiations, he renewed his contract until 2019.

Thiago Maia became an undisputed starter during the 2016 campaign, partnering Renato at the heart of the midfield. He was also linked to Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain during the year.

Thiago Maia completed his 100th match for Peixe on 4 March 2017, in a 0–1 derby loss against Corinthians. In his Copa Libertadores debut five days later, he started and scored the equalizer in a 1–1 away draw against Sporting Cristal.

Lille

On 15 July 2017, French club Lille reached an agreement with Santos for the transfer of Thiago Maia, for a fee of €14 million, after being signed by the head coach Marcelo Bielsa. He made 37 appearances for the club during the 2017–18 season, scoring one goal.[citation needed]

Flamengo

On 22 January 2020, Maia returned to Brazil, signing with Flamengo on an 18-month loan. An option to make the transfer permanent was included in the deal.

Maia's transfer to Flamengo was made permanent on 13 January 2022.

Internacional

On 7 March 2024, Internacional announced Thiago Maia on a loan deal until the end of the year, with the conditions for a subsequent permanent deal already agreed. On 3 July, Inter officially bought him outright, with a contract until 2026.

International career

Maia taking a shot at the 2016 Summer Olympics

On 26 December 2014, after featuring regularly with the under-17s, Thiago Maia was called up to the Brazil under-20 side, alongside Santos teammates Gabriel and Caju, for the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship.

On 29 June 2016 Thiago Maia was called up to Olympic team, alongside Santos teammates Gabriel and Zeca, for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He also became the first athlete from Roraima to appear in the tournament.

Personal life

On 17 December 2024, Thiago Maia received the year's FIFA Fair Play Award after volunteering during the 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods.

Career statistics

As of 27 February 2025

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueState leagueNational cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Santos2014Série A10—00——10
2015Série A282—90——372
2016Série A31017040——520
2017Série A1211202061—322
Total72329015061—1224
Lille2017–18Ligue 1340—11—20371
2018–19Ligue 1240—10—10260
2019–20Ligue 130—00100040
Total610—211030671
Flamengo (loan)2020Série A14060305010290
2021Série A23100513000312
Flamengo2022Série A240308010000450
20233201011017050642
202400100000—10
Total931201262250601704
Internacional2024Série A272—0050—322
2025Série A00700000—70
Total272700050—392
Career total25365615333719041811

Honours

Santos

Flamengo

Internacional

Brazil U23

Individual

External links