Thales Lira

Thales Natanael Lira de Matos (born 6 April 1993) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liga 1 club Arema.

Career
Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, he joined several local Brazilian clubs, and finally decided to go abroad for the first time to Turkey and joined TFF First League side Ankaraspor in the 2020 season.

Guarani
Ahead of 2021 season, Thales decided to return to Brazil and signed a contract with Guarani. He made his league debut on 29 May 2021 in a match against Vitoria at the Estádio Brinco de Ouro. On 16 October 2021, Thales scored his first league goal for Guarani, opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw against Clube de Regatas Brasil. He contributed with 33 Série B appearances, scored one goal during his 2021 season.

Operário Ferroviário
On 8 December 2021, Thales signed a one-year contract with Operário Ferroviário. He made his league debut on 10 April 2022 in a match against Tombense. Six days later, Thales scored his first league goal for Operário Ferroviário in a 2–0 home win against Ponte Preta. He contributed with 17 Série B appearances, scored one goal during his 2022 season.

Return to CSA
On 15 December 2022, CSA announced a deal for Thales to join on a free transfer. He made his club debut on 22 January 2023 in a match against Fluminense PI. On 25 January, Thales scored his first goal for CSA in a 4–0 home win against Murici. Thales contributed with only 7 appearances in all competitions, and scored one goal during his 2022–23 season.

PSS Sleman
On 29 April 2023, Thales went abroad to Southeast Asia and signed a contract with Liga 1 club PSS Sleman, he last defended the Brazilian club Centro Sportivo Alagoano (CSA) in the 2023 season. Thales made his Liga 1 debut on 1 July 2023 as a starter in a 1–0 away win over Bali United.

Honours
Atlético Goianiense
 * Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2016