Tiago Santos: Lille's Dynamic Full-Back Under Ancelotti Jr.

Davide Ancelotti Jr. took over Lille, a team previously in third place in Ligue 1 and directly qualified for the Champions League. At 37, he signed a contract until 2028, bringing extensive experience gained alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti. After a successful stint at Botafogo, he now has an opportunity to build his own project. Lille has entrusted him with maintaining the team's European presence while rebuilding after significant player sales: Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City and Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle.

In this transition, Tiago Santos stands out as a player embodying the new direction. The 24-year-old Portuguese right-back offers more than just defensive duties in Ancelotti Jr.'s system. He is a player who can alter a team's shape when pushing forward, carrying the ball wide, exploiting space, and becoming a valuable asset.

Ligue 1 Performance Snapshot

Lille has secured ten points in the first five Ligue 1 matches, placing them fourth, three points behind Monaco. Santos has started every game, scoring two goals against Angers and Troyes. This makes him Lille's joint top scorer in the league, alongside Japanese forward Ayase Ueda.

He wasn't a summer acquisition. Lille signed him from Estoril in 2023 after he played 30 Portuguese league games, contributing 5 assists. In France, he needed time to adapt to a more intense, demanding, and tactical style of play. He now has 56 Ligue 1 appearances and had scored only once before the current season. While right-footed, he doesn't play a conventional wing-back role. He accelerates, dribbles, and participates in build-up play. This approach makes him particularly interesting for Ancelotti Jr.'s tactics, which emphasize high pressing, quick transitions, and effective use of wide players.

Financial Gains and Player Development

Lille has undergone significant changes. The sales of Bouaddi to Manchester City for a reported €95 million and Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle for €63.8 million removed two vital young players. Santos's role becomes more significant within this transformation. He is no longer just a developing talent but one of the established players expected to shape a team competing in France and aiming for Champions League success.

Tiago Santos, standing at 1.75 meters and wearing number 22, grew up in Portugal. He arrived in France at a young age and faced a knee injury that impacted his 2024-25 season. His return wasn't immediate, but Lille continued to see him as integral to their plans. Today's recognition reflects the consistent support and belief he has received.

Tiago Santos: Lille's Dynamic Full-Back Under Ancelotti Jr.

Davide Ancelotti Jr. took over Lille, a team previously in third place in Ligue 1 and directly qualified for the Champions League. At 37, he signed a contract until 2028, bringing extensive experience gained alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti. After a successful stint at Botafogo, he now has an opportunity to build his own project. Lille has entrusted him with maintaining the team's European presence while rebuilding after significant player sales: Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City and Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle.

In this transition, Tiago Santos stands out as a player embodying the new direction. The 24-year-old Portuguese right-back offers more than just defensive duties in Ancelotti Jr.'s system. He is a player who can alter a team's shape when pushing forward, carrying the ball wide, exploiting space, and becoming a valuable asset.

Ligue 1 Performance Snapshot

Lille has secured ten points in the first five Ligue 1 matches, placing them fourth, three points behind Monaco. Santos has started every game, scoring two goals against Angers and Troyes. This makes him Lille's joint top scorer in the league, alongside Japanese forward Ayase Ueda.

He wasn't a summer acquisition. Lille signed him from Estoril in 2023 after he played 30 Portuguese league games, contributing 5 assists. In France, he needed time to adapt to a more intense, demanding, and tactical style of play. He now has 56 Ligue 1 appearances and had scored only once before the current season. While right-footed, he doesn't play a conventional wing-back role. He accelerates, dribbles, and participates in build-up play. This approach makes him particularly interesting for Ancelotti Jr.'s tactics, which emphasize high pressing, quick transitions, and effective use of wide players.

Financial Gains and Player Development

Lille has undergone significant changes. The sales of Bouaddi to Manchester City for a reported €95 million and Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle for €63.8 million removed two vital young players. Santos's role becomes more significant within this transformation. He is no longer just a developing talent but one of the established players expected to shape a team competing in France and aiming for Champions League success.

Tiago Santos, standing at 1.75 meters and wearing number 22, grew up in Portugal. He arrived in France at a young age and faced a knee injury that impacted his 2024-25 season. His return wasn't immediate, but Lille continued to see him as integral to their plans. Today's recognition reflects the consistent support and belief he has received.