Former Botafogo forward Tiquinho Soares revealed that he nearly transferred to Fluminense in 2025, according to an interview on the Paramount+ social media channels conducted by narrator Marcelo Hazan.
Tiquinho Soares Reveals Close Call With Fluminense Transfer
Transfer market discussions often involve moves that quietly fall through before public announcement. According to Tiquinho Soares’s interview with Marcelo Hazan on Paramount+, the striker came close to joining Fluminense roughly a year ago. The negotiation stayed largely out of the public eye until the player disclosed the talks during the media appearance.
While the transfer did not materialize, the revelation sheds light on squad planning within Brazilian football. Fluminense pursued the center-forward as part of their roster adjustments, though the deal ultimately stalled before reaching an agreement.
Career Highlights and Defining Moments at Botafogo
Reflecting on his time with Botafogo, Soares pointed to a specific fixture as the pinnacle of his playing days. According to the player, his decisive strike in a 1-0 victory over Palmeiras during the 2024 season stands out as “the gol da vida” (the goal of my life). The encounter proved vital in high-stakes competition, cementing its place in the forward’s memory.
When asked about dressing room dynamics, Soares named Júnior Santos as the most entertaining teammate (“mais resenha de vestiário”), while identifying midfielder Tchê Tchê as his primary partner on the pitch during his Botafogo tenure. Across his broader career, he also cited longstanding bonds with former FC Porto colleagues including Alex Telles, Otávio, Danilo, and goalkeeper Vaná.
Pro Tip: When analyzing player market movements, tracking unmaterialized negotiations often provides better context on tactical squad needs than finalized transfers alone.
Touhgest Opponents Faced in Brazil and Europe
Facing elite defenders dictates a striker’s success at both domestic and continental levels. According to Soares, Palmeiras defender Gustavo Gómez remains the toughest domestic opponent he has faced in Brazilian football. Looking back at his European spell, the forward singled out Virgil van Dijk as exceptionally difficult to break down.
Beyond individual defenders, Soares noted that visiting Vasco and Corinthians creates the most hostile atmospheres in away matches. He described both clubs’ fanbases as uniquely intimidating, aligning with observations from other players who frequently highlight those specific stadiums as the hardest venues to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team did Tiquinho Soares nearly join in 2025?
According to his interview with Marcelo Hazan on Paramount+, Soares negotiated a potential transfer with Fluminense.
What did Soares consider his most important career goal?
Soares highlighted his decisive goal against Palmeiras in a 1-0 victory during the 2024 season as the most important strike of his career.
Who did Soares name as his toughest opponents?
According to the player, Palmeiras defender Gustavo Gómez is the toughest domestic opponent, while Virgil van Dijk presented the toughest challenge during his time in Europe.
Did you know? Soares also mentioned during the segment that the Corinthians was a club he historically would have liked to have represented during his career.
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