Thomas Lisboa: I think JK Tammeka is helping me a lot with my development

by Kalle Paas

Tartu JK Tammeka have won three in a row in A. Le Coq Premium liiga, the Estonian top division, and spring is in full bloom on the river banks of Emajõgi in the city of Tartu. That sets the good mood for a long talk with Thomas Lisboa, the 21-year-old No. 6 who joined JK Tammeka from the great Brazilian club SC Corinthians Paulista.

Thomas, you landed in Tallinn on a Friday evening in mid-February. The day before, you had been in sunny São Paulo; now you were driving through snowy, freezing-cold Estonian night from Tallinn to Tartu. And fast-forward three months – it’s a sunny, warm midday in May; we’re sitting in a cafe outside at the Tartu Town Hall square, conducting this interview.

My question is: how difficult were those winter months? It must have been a first-time winter experience for you?

The first few months were very difficult. It took time to adapt to the weather here. I did everything to avoid leaving home; even going to the market sometimes was difficult! (laughs)

Just landed. Thomas Lisboa was met at the airport by Karel Voolaid, the head coach of the team.

My next question: How is your life in Tartu now?

I already feel very adapted in Tartu, and I take advantage of my free moments to get to know more new places over here.

What are your favourite places in Tartu? I mean, favourite places in Tartu that are not football stadiums.

The stadiums are always good, but when the day is sunny, I like to go to the river and enjoy the sun.

Overlooking the city. On the viewing platform of the Tartu Cathedral. Photo: Kalle Paas.

Your girlfriend is visiting you from Brazil. What does she think of Tartu?

She tells me that she really likes Tartu! She says it is a city that suits her.

You’ve played now against every Premium liiga team. Is there anything that has surprised you about the league and the teams? What has surprised you?

What surprised me was the high level of every team. I believe that every game may bring some surprises.

In your opinion, what has been your best game for JK Tammeka so far?

I think that the last game against Nõmme United, the one that we won 3:1, I managed to make a great match, and I think it's even better because of the result we had.

According to Sofascore, Thomas won the most duels (8) and had the highest number of successful dribbles (5) in the JK Tammeka – Nõmme United match. He also had 2nd highest amount of touches on the ball (71), and 3rd highest amount of accurate passes (43). Photo: Siim Jänes.

Our team’s home matches moved from the Coop Stadium to Tamme Stadium, as is the custom in May every year. Everyone involved – from the organisers to spectators, from players to coaches – feel now the pluses and minuses of both stadiums. You’ve now trained and played at both stadiums. What do you think of them?

I think Tamme must be one of the best stadiums in the league. But Coop has a very good artificial lawn and has a good atmosphere on game days!

As a supporter, I feel that this season our team has more quality and more versatility. And we’re also mentally stronger. What would you personally consider the main strengths of our team?

I believe that when our team has the patience to build the plays, there will always be chances for us. I think this is very positive in the team.

Thomas advances in our most talked-about win of the season, JK Tammeka – FC Flora 3:1 at the Coop stadium. Photo: Siim Jänes.

You mentioned your interest in going fishing in Estonia. Where did you go fishing at home? On a river or on a lake?

When I fished in Brazil with my father, we usually went to the lake. It's even one of the things I miss the most!

We asked JK Tammeka's followers and supporters to send more questions. Here they are! R.fillmann asks: Thomas, what are your collective and individual expectations and goals for the remainder of the season wearing the Tammeka jersey?

I want to play well individually so I can help the team be and stay in the top half of the table. I think Tammeka is helping me a lot with my individual development.

caiique.gon asks: Thomas, I see you've adapted well to the country, with passes and playmaking that create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. For you, what was the biggest challenge in adapting and implementing your style of play on the field for JK Tammeka?

I think the biggest challenge was the intensity of the game; it often becomes a transition game, but I think I managed to adapt quickly.

reginaldo_santos_lisboa asks: Given the team's oscillating performance, what aspects would you describe as positive and negative?

I think the positive thing is that we're managing to create a lot of goal-scoring opportunities. What I think we can improve is avoiding conceding goals from crosses from opposing teams.

A tough evening in Narva. Although we had more chances to score, JK Trans defeated us 3:0 with their No. 5, Cristian Campaga, scoring the third after a free kick was delivered into our box. Photo: Sergei Stepanov.

pille.pillekas asks: What are some Estonian things you're not used to in Estonia yet or that seem really strange?

What I'm still getting used to is the food, which is a little different, and what I find a bit strange is that sometimes the day seems very long because it only gets dark after 10 pm!

knxt_0211 asks: What's the nicest thing a fan has said to you/done for you?

I think that overall, the affection that is shown makes me very happy.

Thomas at Pierre at the Tartu Town Hall Square.

(jonnu7_13 asks: Real Madrid or Barcelona?

Barcelona sempre, Barcelona forever!

pille.pillekas asks: What food do you usually eat before a game or on game day?

I usually like to eat pasta and chicken, so I don't feel too heavy before the game.

knxt_0211 asks. Do you like it when fans take pictures with you?

I really like it, it makes me feel welcome.

JK Tammeka's supporters are asking for autographs and photos after the match.

georgandreas12 asks: What do you think of Tammeka fans? Are they supportive?

I think they've always been very welcoming, and I really like the atmosphere they create at the Coop stadium.

Ah, one more question from a teammate of yours! (I show Thomas the question from my phone.)

I refuse to answer this one! (laughs hard)

Thomas Lisboa

• Born: 20.01.2005

• Main position: defensive midfielder

• Signed for JK Tammeka: February 2026, contract until 2028. Read the article about Thomas Lisboa joining JK Tammeka (in Estonian).

• In A. Le Coq Premium liiga (as of 25.05): 12 matches, 1 goal assist.