For Brazilian forward Igor Thiago, scoring goals is not just a job – it's his purpose in life. The 25-year-old has already made history at Premier League club Brentford with 16 goals in 21 games, surpassing even Brazilian football legends like Roberto Firmino and Matheus Cunha. But Thiago's journey to success has been anything but straightforward.
Growing up in poverty in Brasilia, Igor Thiago had to start working as a child to support his family. He juggled various jobs – including bricklayer's assistant, fruit carrier, and car washer – before eventually landing a spot at local club Verê. A video showcasing his impressive skills caught the attention of Cruzeiro coach Ricardo Resende, who signed him for the under-20s team.
Thiago's early days in European football were marked by difficulties, including two knee injuries that kept him out for much of last season. He struggled to adapt to a new culture and language, but persevered, working tirelessly to improve his skills. Despite facing racism and prejudice on social media during his stint with Bulgarian club Ludogorets, Thiago refused to let it get him down.
Fast-forward to February 2024, when Thiago signed for Brentford in a record-breaking £30m move. It was a turning point in his career, as he went on to score twice in the 3-0 defeat of Sunderland and break Brazilian club records. The goal-scoring machine is now set to fulfill another childhood dream – wearing the national team shirt of Brazil at the World Cup.
Thiago's mantra remains simple: "The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals." But he credits his success to hard work, a desire to prove himself and a sense of purpose. When asked about playing for Brazil, Thiago says, "God has prepared me for this moment, and if he allows me, we will bring the sixth World Cup title to Brazil."
For Igor Thiago, football is more than just a game – it's his ticket out of poverty and into a life of hope and redemption. As he prepares to take on the world stage, one thing is certain: Thiago is ready to make his mark.
Growing up in poverty in Brasilia, Igor Thiago had to start working as a child to support his family. He juggled various jobs – including bricklayer's assistant, fruit carrier, and car washer – before eventually landing a spot at local club Verê. A video showcasing his impressive skills caught the attention of Cruzeiro coach Ricardo Resende, who signed him for the under-20s team.
Thiago's early days in European football were marked by difficulties, including two knee injuries that kept him out for much of last season. He struggled to adapt to a new culture and language, but persevered, working tirelessly to improve his skills. Despite facing racism and prejudice on social media during his stint with Bulgarian club Ludogorets, Thiago refused to let it get him down.
Fast-forward to February 2024, when Thiago signed for Brentford in a record-breaking £30m move. It was a turning point in his career, as he went on to score twice in the 3-0 defeat of Sunderland and break Brazilian club records. The goal-scoring machine is now set to fulfill another childhood dream – wearing the national team shirt of Brazil at the World Cup.
Thiago's mantra remains simple: "The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals." But he credits his success to hard work, a desire to prove himself and a sense of purpose. When asked about playing for Brazil, Thiago says, "God has prepared me for this moment, and if he allows me, we will bring the sixth World Cup title to Brazil."
For Igor Thiago, football is more than just a game – it's his ticket out of poverty and into a life of hope and redemption. As he prepares to take on the world stage, one thing is certain: Thiago is ready to make his mark.
Igor Thiago breaking Brazilian club records with 16 goals in 21 games sounds like a pretty big deal, but is it really that remarkable? 
I mean, what's the context here? Is this even a record for a single season or over his entire career so far? 
And isn't he already playing for Brentford, which is in the Premier League? 
How many Brazilians play in the Premier League? It feels like Thiago is being put on a pedestal here. 
I'd love to see more stats and context about his career before I can fully buy into this "goal-scoring machine" narrative. 
This is gonna be a long season for Brentford fans... 16 goals in 21 games is insane but it's also kinda concerning how much pressure Igor Thiago is under to perform 
. And what about the injuries? Two knees can't just keep getting messed up like that 
. Not to mention he had to deal with racism online while playing abroad 
. I mean, we all know Brazil has a big football culture but it's still super impressive that Thiago is using his platform to prove himself and give hope to those back home 
! I'm not saying he's the next Pelé or anything, but he's definitely on a roll! 16 goals in 21 games? That's like scoring a hat-trick every game... while carrying a brick (just kidding about that, kinda) 
. Seriously though, it's inspiring to see someone overcome so many obstacles and still manage to chase their dreams. And who knows, maybe he'll even bring home that sixth World Cup title 
! Thiago's mantra is spot on too - if you know what you're good at, go with it (and also work hard doesn't hurt either) 
his stats are insane 16 goals in 21 games thats crazy 
the kid is all about that purpose life 
. Like, I know he had some tough times growing up in poverty and dealing with racism online, but it's clear that he's got a ton of grit and determination 
. And now, playing for Brazil at the World Cup? That's just insane 
. I'm excited to see how he'll do on the big stage, but at the same time, I'm a little worried about the pressure and expectation that comes with it 
. Still, I've got faith in him – I think he's gonna crush it