Brazilian, Igor Thiago is one of the big sensations in English football in the 2025/2026 season. With 14 goals, the Brentford striker is only behind Manchester City's Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts. The Norwegian has scored 19 goals. Thiago is also close to breaking the record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season. For now, the record belongs to Matheus Cunha, with 15 goals in 33 games last season.
Born in Gama, Federal District, Thiago came up through the youth ranks at Cruzeiro and was promoted to the first-team in 2020. Two years later, he was sold to Ludogorets in Bulgaria, for €1.3 million. His rise in European football was rapid. With 21 goals and 11 assists in 55 games, he was sold to Club Brugge in Belgium for €11m. In Belgian football, he shone again, with 29 goals in 55 games. He was sold at the end of his first season with the club for €33m.
Two knee injuries hampered Thiago's first year at Brentford and he played only eight games. But now free from physical problems, and thriving under Keith Andrews, he is making a real difference on the pitch. Valued at €35m, he is the star at Brentford right now, who are riding high in seventh in the Premier League.
A striker who intimidates his opponents
Ben Littlemore, Content Manager for Transfermarkt in the United Kingdom points to Thiago's physical strength and good relationship with coach Andrews as key factors to the Brazilian's success: "Thiago is a crucial player for Brentford because of his physical strength and dedication. He is a very difficult opponent to stop, as well as being a great finisher. Injuries ruined his first season, but the confidence of coach Andrews was fundamental for him to show what he can do and enjoy this great run of form."