In a stunning turnaround, Brazilian footballer Igor Thiago has found himself at the top of his game after a childhood marred by poverty and tragedy. Born into an impoverished household with a father who struggled with alcoholism, Thiago was forced to work multiple jobs from a young age, including bricklaying, fruit carrier, and car washer.
Despite being rejected by some of Brazil's biggest clubs, Thiago persevered and eventually landed at VerΓͺ, where he became the top scorer in the regional league. His talent caught the attention of Cruzeiro, who signed him after a 30-second video showcasing his skills. However, Thiago's time at Cruzeiro was marked by racism on social media, with some fans calling him a monkey and making racist comments about his children.
Thiago attributes this negativity to the frustrations and problems of those who made the comments, saying "It wasn't about me. It said more about them, frustrated people, people with problems of their own." He moved on from the situation in peace, refusing to let it get to him.
Since joining Brentford in a record-breaking Β£30m move, Thiago has scored 16 goals in just 21 games, surpassing Brazilian luminaries such as Roberto Firmino and Matheus Cunha. The forward credits his success to hard work and a newfound appreciation for family after the death of his father at the age of 13.
"I would describe it as a lot of hard work," Thiago says about his turnaround. "I think that everything God has planned for my life, has given me this year at Brentford, is something I hadn't experienced yet in my career." The 29-year-old believes that his experiences have prepared him for the bigger stage, saying "The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals."
Thiago's impressive form has also caught the attention of Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has invited Thiago to represent his country at the World Cup. Thiago is ready to take on the No 9 shirt and lead Brazil to their first World Cup title since 2002.
"I believe I am ready," Thiago says confidently. "The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals." With God's guidance, Thiago is hoping to bring home the trophy for Brazil, fulfilling a childhood dream that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
Despite being rejected by some of Brazil's biggest clubs, Thiago persevered and eventually landed at VerΓͺ, where he became the top scorer in the regional league. His talent caught the attention of Cruzeiro, who signed him after a 30-second video showcasing his skills. However, Thiago's time at Cruzeiro was marked by racism on social media, with some fans calling him a monkey and making racist comments about his children.
Thiago attributes this negativity to the frustrations and problems of those who made the comments, saying "It wasn't about me. It said more about them, frustrated people, people with problems of their own." He moved on from the situation in peace, refusing to let it get to him.
Since joining Brentford in a record-breaking Β£30m move, Thiago has scored 16 goals in just 21 games, surpassing Brazilian luminaries such as Roberto Firmino and Matheus Cunha. The forward credits his success to hard work and a newfound appreciation for family after the death of his father at the age of 13.
"I would describe it as a lot of hard work," Thiago says about his turnaround. "I think that everything God has planned for my life, has given me this year at Brentford, is something I hadn't experienced yet in my career." The 29-year-old believes that his experiences have prepared him for the bigger stage, saying "The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals."
Thiago's impressive form has also caught the attention of Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has invited Thiago to represent his country at the World Cup. Thiago is ready to take on the No 9 shirt and lead Brazil to their first World Cup title since 2002.
"I believe I am ready," Thiago says confidently. "The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals." With God's guidance, Thiago is hoping to bring home the trophy for Brazil, fulfilling a childhood dream that seemed impossible just a few years ago.