Jair Veiga Vieira Tavares (born 13 February 2001) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Cypriot First Division club AEL Limassol.
Career Tavares came through the Benfica youth system, and played for their B team during the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons.
On 15 June 2022 Tavares joined Scottish club Hibernian for an undisclosed fee on a contract until the summer of 2026. Tavares made limited appearances under the management of Lee Johnson, but he became a first team regular following the appointment of Nick Montgomery.
On 30 August 2024, Tavares joined Motherwell on loan until the end of the 2024–25 season. He was released from his contract with Hibs in June 2025.
On 22 August 2025, Tavares joined Kauno Žalgiris.J.Tavaresas: „Ieškojau komandos, kuri žaidžia dominuojantį futbolą“sportas.lt naujienos: Papildymas „Kauno Žalgirio“ gretose: atvyksta Portugalijos futbolininkas On 15 August 2025 he made his debut in A Lyga against FK Riteriai. FK Kauno Žalgiris won 6-1.2025-09-14 Kauno Žalgiris 6-1 Riteriai (on alyga.lt)2025-09-14 Kauno Žalgiris 6-1 Riteriai (on Soccerway)FK KAUNO ŽALGIRIS 6-1 FK RITERIAI (on lietuvosfutbolas.lt) On 2 November 2025 he scored first goal in A Lyga against FK Panevėžys and FK Kauno Žalgiris won 3–2.2025-11-02 Kauno Žalgiris 3-2 Panevėžys (on alyga.lt)2025-11-02 Kauno Žalgiris 3-2 Panevėžys (on Soccerway)KAUNO ŽALGIRIS 3–2 PANEVĖŽYS (on lietuvosfutbolas.lt) On 1 February 2026 officially announced that Jair Tavares left Kauno Žalgiris Club.FK „Kauno Žalgiris“ atsisveikino su J.Tavaresu (FK Kauno Žalgiris site)
On 3 June 2026, Tavares joined AEL Limassol.
Personal life Born in Portugal, Tavares is of Cape Verdean descent. He hails from a footballing family, with both of his brothers, Cláudio and Miguel, as well as cousin Renato Sanches, all being professional footballers.
Career statistics Club
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBenfica B2020–21LigaPro130———1302021–22244———244Total374———374Hibernian2022–23Scottish Premiership800010—902023–242622010—292Total3422020—382Motherwell (loan)2024–25Scottish Premiership800040—120Career totals7962060—876 Notes
Honours FK Kauno Žalgiris A Lyga: 2025
References