Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense
Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Tiago began his professional career at Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, but never broke into the first team. Subsequently, he represented Ipatinga Futebol Clube and amateurs Estrela do Norte Futebol Clube in his homeland, moving to Portugal in 2006.