Meet Igor Thiago, the latest Brazilian sensation in the Premier League

If in 2022 Igor Thiago’s name went unnoticed by many Cruzeiro fans, today he is one of the most talked-about strikers in the richest league in the world.

At 24 years old, Brentford’s center forward is experiencing a meteoric rise, occupying second place in the Premier League scoring charts with 16 goals, behind only the phenomenon Erling Haaland, who has 20.

With this achievement, Igor Thiago has already made history by becoming the Brazilian with the most goals in a single Premier League season, surpassing players like Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, and Richarlison.

From ‘anonymous’ at Mineirão to rising star in Europe

Igor Thiago’s journey is an example of extreme appreciation in the European market.

Check out below how the striker’s value increased throughout his career:

• Cruzeiro (2020-2022): Discovered by Raposa, he had a discreet stint in Série B. He was sold to Ludogorets (Bulgaria) for just R$ 3.6 million.
• Ludogorets (2022-2023): In Bulgarian territory, he blossomed. He scored 20 goals in one season and was sold to Club Brugge for R$ 69 million.
• Club Brugge (2023-2024): In Belgium, he became a “natural scorer,” with 29 goals in the year, attracting the attention of the Premier League.
• Brentford (2024-Present): Signed for R$ 212 million (58 times the value of his first transfer), the Brazilian arrived with the mission to replace Ivan Toney, the English national team striker, now playing in Saudi football.

Overcoming injuries

The start in England was dramatic. In his first season (2024/25), Igor suffered two serious injuries in succession, to his knee and meniscus, spending almost the entire year in the medical department.

After a full preseason in 2025, he finally showed what he was capable of, becoming the “terror” of English defenses.

So, do you think he deserves a chance in the Brazilian National Team?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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