Once close to joining FC Porto, Tomas Händel has clear objectives: to play in the Champions League, succeed in Portugal, and reach the national team. In an interview with Maisfutebol, the midfielder from Guimaraes reveals his profile beyond football = PART III
The frustration of the failed transfer to FC Porto at the beginning of 2025 is long gone. Almost a year and a half later, the 25-year-old midfielder is preparing to finish his debut season abroad with Serbian side Red Star Belgrade. An undisputed starter, he has accumulated 39 games and has already won the league and cup, in addition to playing in the Europa League. And he’s aiming for the Champions League.
In an interview with Maisfutebol from Belgrade, the Portuguese player reveals his alternative profession to football and his dream of representing Portugal instead of Austria.
Part I: The Belgrade Derby: “Nothing in Portugal compares, it’s out of this world”
Part II: Quaresma’s entrance into the Vitória locker room: “It was monstrous”
Maisfutebol (MF): Almost a year and a half ago you had the opportunity to join FC Porto, in a deal that fell through hours before the winter transfer window closed. Aside from that, is there a definite date for your return to Portugal?
Tomás Händel (TH): No. But I would like to return and succeed in the League. I will continue to work and believe in myself. It might happen. I left the past in its place. Since I came to Red Star, I haven’t thought about it anymore. I feel privileged. I am a lucky man.
MF: Is the Austrian surname Händel inherited by the family from the father?
TH: Yes! My great-great-grandmother was Austrian. Hence my dual nationality. The Austrian federation has already contacted me about representing the national team, but the degree of kinship is distant, so FIFA wouldn’t allow it. And, honestly, I don’t see myself representing any other country than Portugal. I want to reach the national team. Fortunately, we have many top players, the best in the world, but the secret is to trust in myself.
MF: And will Portugal win the 2026 World Cup?
TH: As an ambitious Portuguese person, I want to believe. With our national team… If there’s a year, it has to be this one.
MF: Regarding the next season, what is the next objective?
The frustration of the failed transfer to FC Porto at the beginning of 2025 is long gone. Almost a year and a half later, the 25-year-old midfielder is preparing to finish his debut season abroad with Serbian side Red Star Belgrade. An undisputed starter, he has accumulated 39 games and has already won the league and cup, in addition to playing in the Europa League. And he’s aiming for the Champions League.
In an interview with Maisfutebol from Belgrade, the Portuguese player reveals his alternative profession to football and his dream of representing Portugal instead of Austria.
Part I: The Belgrade Derby: Nothing in Portugal compares, it’s out of this world
Part II: Quaresma’s entrance into the Vitória locker room: “It was monstrous
Maisfutebol (MF): Almost a year and a half ago you had the opportunity to join FC Porto, in a deal that fell through hours before the winter transfer window closed. Aside from that, is there a definite date for your return to Portugal?
Tomas Handel (TH): No. But I would like to return and succeed in the League. I will continue to work and believe in myself. It might happen. I left the past in its place. Since I came to Red Star, I haven’t thought about it anymore. I feel privileged. I am a lucky man.
MF: Is the Austrian surname Händel inherited by the family from the father?
TH: Yes! My great-great-grandmother was Austrian. Hence my dual nationality. The Austrian federation has already contacted me about representing the national team, but the degree of kinship is distant, so FIFA wouldn’t allow it. And, honestly, I don’t see myself representing any other country than Portugal. I want to reach the national team. Fortunately, we have many top players, the best in the world, but the secret is to trust in myself.
MF: And will Portugal win the 2026 World Cup?
TH: As an ambitious Portuguese person, I want to believe. With our national team… If there’s a year, it has to be this one.
MF: Regarding the next season, what is the next objective?
TH: Playing in the Champions League. I was in the Conference League with Vitória and in the Europa League with Red Star Belgrade. I hope to play in the Champions League. I know it will happen, it’s just a matter of time.
MF: What if you weren’t an athlete?
TH: I’d probably be in the military. I don’t know if I’d succeed, but I’m disciplined and I like to create habits. I generally don’t change my routine.
The frustration of the failed transfer to FC Porto at the beginning of 2025 is long gone. Almost a year and a half later, the 25-year-old midfielder is preparing to finish his debut season abroad with Serbian side Red Star Belgrade. An undisputed starter, he has accumulated 39 games and has already won the league and cup, in addition to playing in the Europa League. And he’s aiming for the Champions League.
In an interview with Maisfutebol from Belgrade, the Portuguese player reveals his alternative profession to football and his dream of representing Portugal instead of Austria.
Part I: The Belgrade Derby: Nothing in Portugal compares, it’s out of this world
Part II: Quaresma’s entrance into the Vitória locker room: “It was monstrous
Maisfutebol (MF): Almost a year and a half ago you had the opportunity to join FC Porto, in a deal that fell through hours before the winter transfer window closed. Aside from that, is there a definite date for your return to Portugal?
Tomás Händel (TH): No. But I would like to return and succeed in the League. I will continue to work and believe in myself. It might happen. I left the past in its place. Since I came to Red Star, I haven’t thought about it anymore. I feel privileged. I am a lucky man
MF: Is the Austrian surname Handel inherited by the family from the father?
TH: Yes! My great-great-grandmother was Austrian. Hence my dual nationality. The Austrian federation has already contacted me about representing the national team, but the degree of kinship is distant, so FIFA wouldn’t allow it. And, honestly, I don’t see myself representing any other country than Portugal. I want to reach the national team. Fortunately, we have many top players, the best in the world, but the secret is to trust in myself.
MF: And will Portugal win the 2026 World Cup?
TH: As an ambitious Portuguese person, I want to believe. With our national team… If there’s a year, it has to be this one.
MF: Regarding the next season, what is the next objective?
TH: Playing in the Champions League. I was in the Conference League with Vitória and in the Europa League with Red Star Belgrade. I hope to play in the Champions League. I know it will happen, it’s just a matter of time.
MF: What if you weren’t an athlete?
TH: I’d probably be in the military. I don’t know if I’d succeed, but I’m disciplined and I like to create habits. I generally don’t change my routine.
MF: Who is Tomas outside of football?
TH: A laid=back, homebody type of person. I love watching series, I love dogs, basketball, Formula 1 = and Lewis Hamilton = and cars. I really enjoy going to the cinema, and I’ve never been here in Serbia, mainly because they have dubbed films. I wouldn’t understand what they were saying.
MF: (…)
TH: In basketball, I mainly watch the NBA and support the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, I had to support them against Neemias Queta. I want him to have a lot of success! I’ve had a relationship with my Philadelphia team for many years. I support them in the NBA and NFL, on all fronts. It’s a city that lives and breathes sports.