The Brazilian left-back who chose the Seleção over an Italian legacy
In short: Alex Telles holds a dual identity that could have defined a different footballing path. While he possesses the heritage to represent Italy, he chose the green and yellow of Brazil. His journey from the Brazilian Série D to the heights of the Copa Libertadores is a masterclass in offensive versatility.
Born in Caxias do Sul in 1992, Telles began his journey in the lower tiers of Brazilian football with Juventude. His rapid ascent saw him move to Grêmio in 2013, where he was immediately recognized as the league's premier left-back. This early success paved the way for a nomadic but trophy-laden European career, spanning the Turkish Süper Lig with Galatasaray, the Italian Serie A with Inter Milan, and the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Porto.
Telles' tenure at Porto was particularly decorated. Between 2016 and 2020, he became a mainstay in the starting eleven, securing four trophies and earning multiple honors as a top provider and a standout team selection for four consecutive seasons. His ability to act as an offensive full-back—combining speed with playmaking—made him a high-value target, eventually leading to a £15.4 million move to Manchester United in 2020.
A fascinating nuance of Telles' career is his nationality. Despite having Italian great-grandparents and holding an Italian passport, he opted to represent Brazil, making his international debut in 2019. This choice highlights the complex personal decisions athletes face regarding heritage and national identity. Recently, Telles returned to his roots, signing with Botafogo in 2024 and scoring a pivotal goal in their historic Copa Libertadores title win.
His career trajectory reflects the modern 'offensive full-back' archetype: a defender who functions as a primary playmaker. From his first goal in 2011 to his 2024 return to Brazil, Telles has consistently balanced defensive duties with the creative output required by elite European and South American clubs.
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