Thiago Martins Open to Leaving NYCFC to Play for Palmeiras

Thiago Martins arrived at New York City FC like someone setting down roots in a new town, carrying a suitcase packed with experience and dreams. After making his mark at Palmeiras and securing his name at Yokohama Marinos, he landed in MLS with that blend of ambition and calm that only comes from a seasoned pro. Now, at 29, the Brazilian isn’t just a mainstay in NYCFC’s defense; he’s navigating a landscape that feels both familiar and tinged with uncertainty.

With New York’s lights all around him, the field reminds him of his purpose. Anyone following Thiago’s journey knows he’s not here for a short stint. Every step on the field seems like a stamp of intent, a quest to carve out his own legacy in a league that’s finding its voice on the world stage. And as he mentioned, MLS has already begun exporting its talent across the globe.

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But Thiago’s gaze isn’t fixed solely on soccer. Life in New York has brought more than just a new jersey to wear; it’s reshaped his personal world. The arrival of his daughter, Celina, has shifted the defender’s daily routine, adding a new kind of light to his life. Between training sessions, matches, and endless travel, he’s balancing roles, now a center-back, a leader on the field, and, most importantly, a first-time dad. Every minute away from the pitch is an opportunity to savor family time and find that elusive balance between the intensity of the game and the quiet joys of home. Living close to the training facility was a deliberate choice, a way to secure peace for his family, a sanctuary away from the buzz of the Big Apple, yet close enough to soak in the city’s charms.

Naturally, Thiago’s heart doesn’t belong solely to NYCFC or MLS. Palmeiras was his first home, the place where he grew, where he celebrated the highs of being a two-time Brazilian champion. So it’s no surprise he hasn’t ruled out the chance of going back.

The upcoming playoff clash against Cincinnati occupies his thoughts just as much as the nights he spends rocking his daughter to sleep. The tug-of-war between present and past doesn’t stop him from imagining the future, as he freely admits. There’s a possibility waving from the distance, even if, for now, he keeps his feet firmly planted on American soil, pursuing a title he has yet to conquer. His desire for the MLS trophy is clear, but the dream of rejoining Palmeiras doesn’t seem far off either.