Thiago Helguera

Thiago Emanuel Helguera Merello (born 26 March 2006) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Primeira Liga club Braga.

Club career
Born in Paysandú, Helguera began his career with local side Sportivo Independencia, representing the club at the under-13 national finals in 2019. He joined the academy of Nacional the following year, and was promoted to the first team, signing his first contract, in January 2023. He played his first game for the club in the 2023 edition of the Copa Río de la Plata, as Nacional lost to Argentinian opposition Colón de Santa Fe 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

Helguera made his professional debut in the Uruguayan Primera División on 30 April 2023, coming on as a second-half substitute for Diego Zabala in a 3–0 win against La Luz. Following the game, Nacional manager Álvaro Gutiérrez said of Helguera "he has the tools, but you have to go carefully and slowly so that he can develop them".

On 14 June 2024, Helguera joined Primeira Liga club Braga on a five-year deal until June 2029.

International career
Helguera has represented Uruguay at under-17 level.

Club

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