Thiago Quirino

1.1. Atlético Mineiro Youth Career

Thiago Quirino da Silva was born on 4 January 1985, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. He began his footballing journey at a young age, joining the youth system of Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro in 1998. After developing within Atlético Mineiro's youth ranks for three years, Quirino signed his first professional contract with the club in 2001 at the age of just 15. His official league debut for the senior team of Atlético Mineiro took place on 26 February 2003. He remained with the club until the end of the 2005 season.

3.1. Atlético Mineiro (2003-2005)

After signing his professional contract in 2001, Quirino officially debuted for the senior team of Atlético Mineiro in 2003. He played for the club until the end of the 2005 season, making a total of 65 appearances and scoring 14 goals during his tenure.

3.2. Djurgårdens IF (2006-2008)

In 2006, Quirino made a significant move to European football, joining Swedish Allsvenskan club Djurgårdens IF. The transfer fee was reported to be around 14.00 M SEK, and he signed a four-year contract set to expire at the end of the 2009 season. Despite scoring multiple goals in pre-season matches (one against Gefle IF and two against IF Brommapojkarna), his initial impact in the 2006 season was underwhelming. He only managed to score one goal in 18 league appearances and was frequently used as a substitute, often not even making the match squad. His sole league goal came on 2 May 2006, against Gefle IF, where he scored the winning goal from a rebound. The transition from Brazilian to Swedish football appeared to significantly affect his performance during this period.

The 2007 season began similarly, with Quirino receiving limited opportunities. However, a turning point came on 21 July during the 15th league match against IF Elfsborg. After the team's main striker, Jones Kusi-Asare, left due to injury, Quirino came on as a substitute in the 75th minute while Djurgården was trailing 1-0. He scored the equalizer in the 88th minute, helping his team secure a late victory. Following this performance, Quirino earned more playing time, often coming off the bench. On 3 September, he was selected as a starter for the first time in 13 months against Helsingborgs IF, scoring two goals. He also netted the opening goal in the derby against AIK on 24 September and scored against Örebro SK on 29 September. He finished the 2007 season as the team's top scorer with eight goals in 13 league appearances, despite starting only two matches fully.

In the 2008 season, Quirino continued to have limited starts. He featured in 22 of the 30 league matches, with only four full appearances and 16 as a substitute, scoring two goals. His goals came against AIK on 24 April and GIF Sundsvall on 5 October. On 21 November 2008, Djurgårdens IF officially announced Quirino's transfer to Japanese club Consadole Sapporo, which had just been relegated to the J2 League. The reported transfer fee was 2.50 M SEK, significantly less than what Djurgården had reportedly invested in him three years prior.

3.3. First J.League Stint: Consadole Sapporo (2009-2010)

Thiago Quirino's move to Japanese football was officially announced by Consadole Sapporo on 13 December 2008. He signed a one-season contract spanning from 1 February 2009 to 1 January 2010, and was registered with the player name "Quirino". Despite high expectations to be the team's ace striker, he failed to score in seven pre-season matches. However, he quickly found his form in the league, scoring the decisive winning goal in the second J2 League match against Sagan Tosu on 15 March. He continued to score consistently throughout the season, finishing as Consadole Sapporo's top scorer with 19 league goals. Following this successful season, his contract was renewed.

In the 2010 season, Quirino's performance was impacted by a groin pain syndrome, which reduced his appearances and goal-scoring output. He managed only two goals in 17 matches that season. After the expiration of his two-year contract, he left Consadole Sapporo.

3.4. K League Loan: Daegu FC (2011)

On 17 January 2011, Daegu FC in South Korea's K League 1 officially announced the signing of Quirino on a one-year loan contract. During his spell with Daegu FC, he made 12 league appearances and scored three goals.

3.5. J.League Return: Consadole Sapporo and Shonan Bellmare (2012-2013)

At the end of 2011, Quirino's return to Consadole Sapporo, who had achieved promotion to J1 League, was reported. He played in seven J1 League matches for Sapporo in 2012, all as a substitute, but did not score.

In July 2012, Quirino made a permanent transfer to Shonan Bellmare, another Japanese club. He was assigned jersey number 9. He quickly made an impact, playing in 17 matches and scoring seven goals, which significantly contributed to Shonan Bellmare's promotion back to the J1 League. Notably, he scored a crucial winning goal in stoppage time during the 41st match against Gainare Tottori, a goal that proved vital for the team's promotion. In the 2013 season, Quirino continued his contributions, making 13 appearances and scoring two goals for Shonan Bellmare.

3.6. Middle East Transfer: Al-Shaab (2013-2014)

In August 2013, Quirino was loaned to Al-Shaab, a club in the UAE League. During his time in the Middle Eastern football scene, he made 10 league appearances and scored two goals.

3.7. Later J.League Career (2014-2018)

After his loan spell in the UAE, Quirino returned to Japan. In August 2014, he transferred to Ventforet Kofu. At this time, he had acquired Timor-Leste nationality, which allowed him to be registered under the Asian player quota. However, his time at Ventforet Kofu was hampered by injuries. He played in only seven league matches without scoring, and his contract was terminated at the end of the season.

In September 2015, Quirino returned to Shonan Bellmare. He played in five league matches in 2015 and another five in 2016, but did not score during these stints. In July 2016, he was loaned to Oita Trinita, where he experienced playing in the J3 League for the first time. He made five appearances for Oita Trinita without scoring a goal.

After the expiration of his loan with Oita Trinita and his contract with Shonan Bellmare, Quirino moved back to his home country Brazil in 2017, joining Anápolis FC. He played in four matches and scored one goal for the club. In 2018, he returned to Japan once more, signing with Kagoshima United FC. He made 26 league appearances for the club, scoring five goals, and also played in one cup match.

3.8. Malaysia Super League and Retirement: FELDA United FC (2019)

In 2019, Thiago Quirino joined FELDA United FC in the Malaysia Super League. He played one match for the club during this period. On 18 February 2021, Quirino officially announced his retirement from professional football.

4.1. Brazil U-20 National Team

In 2005, Quirino was called up to the Brazil U-20 national team to participate in the 2005 South American Youth Championship. He played in eight matches during the tournament, scoring three goals. In the group stage, he scored two goals against Ecuador and one against Chile. He missed the match against Uruguay due to an accumulation of yellow cards. In the final stage, he appeared in all five matches but did not score. Brazil finished as runner-up in the tournament, thereby securing qualification for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Quirino was subsequently selected for the squad participating in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. In the group stage, Brazil was drawn into a group with Nigeria, South Korea, and Switzerland. Brazil comfortably advanced to the round of 16 with two wins and one draw. Quirino's only appearance in the group stage was as a substitute in the match against Nigeria. He was an unused substitute in the round of 16 match against Syria. However, he came on as a substitute in the quarter-final against Germany, the semi-final against Argentina, and the third-place playoff against Morocco. He did not score any goals in the World Youth Championship.

6.1. Club

• Oita Trinita:
  • J3 League: 2016