1. Overview
Tarmo Neemelo (Tarmo NeemeloEstonian, born 10 February 1982) is an Estonian retired professional footballer who primarily played as a forward. He concluded his career at Meistriliiga club Paide Linnameeskond. Throughout his career, Neemelo gained prominence, notably becoming the top goalscorer in the 2005 Meistriliiga with 41 goals and earning the Estonian Silverball award in 2006. He also represented the Estonia national team.
2. Early career
Neemelo began his football journey with Lelle. Following his time there, he spent several years developing his skills by playing for various reserve and feeder teams associated with Flora.
3. Club career
Neemelo's professional club career spanned several leagues and countries, marked by significant goal-scoring periods and championship wins.
3.1. TVMK
In 2004, Tarmo Neemelo signed with Meistriliiga club TVMK. His tenure at the club was highly successful, particularly during the 2005 season. In that season, he played a pivotal role in TVMK winning their first Meistriliiga title. Neemelo also achieved a remarkable personal feat, scoring a league record of 41 goals, which placed him 12th in the rankings for the prestigious European Golden Shoe award.
3.2. Helsingborg
In 2006, Neemelo made a move to Swedish Allsvenskan club Helsingborgs IF. There was an expectation that he might form a striking partnership with renowned footballer Henrik Larsson. However, Neemelo found it challenging to secure a regular first-team position at Helsingborg. Consequently, he was loaned back to his former club, TVMK, for a period. In 2007, he was again loaned out, this time to Superettan club GIF Sundsvall.
3.3. MYPA
In February 2008, Tarmo Neemelo signed a two-year contract with MYPA, a club competing in the Finnish Veikkausliiga.
3.4. Zulte Waregem
In January 2009, Neemelo joined Belgian side Zulte Waregem. During his time with the club, he was primarily utilized as a substitute, making only two appearances in the starting line-up. By mutual consent, Neemelo was released by Zulte Waregem in July 2009.
3.5. Levadia
Following his departure from Zulte Waregem, Neemelo returned to Estonia in 2009 and signed with Levadia. His return proved fruitful as he quickly contributed to the team's success, winning his second Meistriliiga title in the 2009 season.
3.6. Nõmme Kalju
Tarmo Neemelo's contract with Levadia concluded after the 2010 season. On 7 February 2011, he signed a two-year contract with Nõmme Kalju. Neemelo quickly established himself as a key player for the team, becoming their top goalscorer in the league for both the 2011 and 2012 seasons, netting 22 goals in each. His significant contributions helped Nõmme Kalju secure their first ever Meistriliiga title in the 2012 season, marking Neemelo's third career Meistriliiga championship.
4. International career
Tarmo Neemelo made his international debut for the Estonia national team on 20 April 2005, in a friendly match against Norway. He scored his first goal for the national team on 28 May 2006, during a friendly match against Turkey. This particular goal earned him the prestigious Estonian Silverball award.
4.1. International goals
Estonia's score is listed first, and the score column indicates the score after each goal scored by Neemelo.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 May 2006 | Millerntor-Stadion, Hamburg, Germany | 9 | Turkey | 1-1 | 1-1 | Friendly |
5. Honours
Tarmo Neemelo accumulated several significant honours throughout his professional football career, both with his clubs and individually.
5.1. Club
- TVMK
- Meistriliiga: 2005
- Estonian Supercup: 2005, 2006
- Levadia
- Meistriliiga: 2009
- Estonian Supercup: 2010
- Nõmme Kalju
- Meistriliiga: 2012
- Estonian Cup: 2014-15
5.2. Individual
- Meistriliiga top scorer: 2005
- Estonian Silverball: 2006