Brazil Need a No.9 – Igor Thiago Is Making Himself Impossible to Ignore

The form of Brentford striker Igor Thiago has sparked Brazil World Cup talk as Carlo Ancelotti searches for a reliable No.9.

The 24-year-old scored twice in Brentford’s 3–0 win over Sunderland at the Gtech Community Stadium to take his league tally to 16 goals for the season – the most ever scored by a Brazilian in a single Premier League campaign.

In doing so, Thiago moves clear of Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Roberto Firmino, who have all achieved a 15-goal haul, and places himself among elite company in the Golden Boot race, trailing only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Igor Thiago Goals This Season

Thiago needed just 21 appearances to reach 16 goals, an extraordinary strike rate for a player who had yet to score in the Premier League last season.

Against Sunderland, the first arrived on the half-hour, timed perfectly after Vitaly Janelt split the defence. The second, which sealed both the match and the record, was a poacher’s finish after Kevin Schade struck the crossbar.

Those goals came just days after Thiago’s hat-trick away at Everton, capping off a run of form that has propelled Brentford into fifth place and firmly into the European conversation.

Only Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe have outscored Thiago this season across Europe’s top five leagues.

From Injury-Plagued Debut to Brentford’s Star Striker

Thiago’s rise in England has not been smooth sailing.

Signed from Club Brugge for a club-record £30 million after scoring 29 goals in Belgium, his first season in west London was basically a write-off.

A meniscus injury in pre-season was followed by further knee problems, restricting him to just eight league appearances and no goals.

This season has been a reset for him.

Now fully fit and playing with visible confidence, Thiago has become the focal point of Brentford’s attack under Keith Andrews.

His physicality, movement and finishing variety have helped transform a side that struggled for cutting edge last year.

Why Igor Thiago Is Thriving in the Premier League

Thiago brings more than goals. He gives Brentford something opponents struggle to deal with.

He can pin centre-backs, win aerial duels, and bring others into play, while still being sharp inside the box. There is a simplicity to his game, but also an edge – defenders know they are in for a battle.

That balance between power and composure has made him one of the league’s most reliable finishers this season and a striker who elevates those around him.

Will Brazil Call Up Igor Thiago for the World Cup Squad?

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Thiago’s timing could not be better.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has yet to settle on a long-term No.9. Richarlison, Joao Pedro and Igor Jesus have all been used, without fully convincing.

Thiago offers something different: a real reference point up front, capable of occupying defenders and creating space for Brazil’s wide talent.

His Premier League form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and a call-up for upcoming international fixtures now feels increasingly realistic rather than speculative.