Brazilian-born Brentford striker Igor Thiago's journey to the top of English football was far from conventional. Despite growing up in a small town in central Brazil, Thiago never wavered in his determination to become a professional footballer.
From an early age, Thiago's mother Maria Diva instilled in him the importance of perseverance and believing in himself. However, it wasn't until he was 17 that Thiago finally signed with a club, after facing several rejections at trials around Brazil.
Thiago's path to success has not been without its challenges. He had to wait until he was old enough to sign with Club Brugge in Belgium before securing a deal with Brentford for a then-club-record ยฃ30m. Despite struggling with injuries during his first season, Thiago finally found his footing and became one of the top scorers in the Premier League.
Thiago's determination and work ethic have been praised by his coaches and teammates alike. Former Ludogorets assistant coach Rafael Ferreira described Thiago as a "genuinely good person with a big heart" who deserves to be where he is. Cauly, a former teammate of Thiago's at Brentford, added that Thiago's mentality was "special even," noting that the striker always sought out advice and guidance from his teammates.
As for Brazil's national team, there is growing expectation that Thiago will make his debut soon. Former Brazil international Mozart Santos expressed confidence in Thiago's ability to make a difference at the World Cup, stating that he would be a key player for the team.
Thiago's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Despite facing numerous setbacks and rejections, he has never given up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Now, as one of the top scorers in the Premier League, Thiago is poised to make history for Brazil at the World Cup.
From an early age, Thiago's mother Maria Diva instilled in him the importance of perseverance and believing in himself. However, it wasn't until he was 17 that Thiago finally signed with a club, after facing several rejections at trials around Brazil.
Thiago's path to success has not been without its challenges. He had to wait until he was old enough to sign with Club Brugge in Belgium before securing a deal with Brentford for a then-club-record ยฃ30m. Despite struggling with injuries during his first season, Thiago finally found his footing and became one of the top scorers in the Premier League.
Thiago's determination and work ethic have been praised by his coaches and teammates alike. Former Ludogorets assistant coach Rafael Ferreira described Thiago as a "genuinely good person with a big heart" who deserves to be where he is. Cauly, a former teammate of Thiago's at Brentford, added that Thiago's mentality was "special even," noting that the striker always sought out advice and guidance from his teammates.
As for Brazil's national team, there is growing expectation that Thiago will make his debut soon. Former Brazil international Mozart Santos expressed confidence in Thiago's ability to make a difference at the World Cup, stating that he would be a key player for the team.
Thiago's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Despite facing numerous setbacks and rejections, he has never given up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Now, as one of the top scorers in the Premier League, Thiago is poised to make history for Brazil at the World Cup.