Striker Igor Thiago, second top scorer in the Premier League, is the surprise on Ancelotti’s list for friendlies

Striker Igor Thiago, 24 years old, currently in Brentford of Inglaterra, was one of the names that caught the most attention in the recent call-up of Seleção Brasileira. The list, announced this Monday by coach Carlo Ancelotti, targets the last friendlies before Copa of Mundo, scheduled for March 26th and 31st, 2026 against Croácia and França, respectively.

The inclusion of the young player represents a highlight in his career, which has unfolded remarkably on the European stage. Sua consistent performance in the Premier League qualified him for this unprecedented opportunity to wear the yellow jersey.

Experiencing the best season of his professional career, Igor Thiago has established himself as one of the main scorers in the English league. The call-up reflects the good moment and the technical committee’s search for new talents for the national squad.

Rise in Europa

Igor Thiago’s career began in the youth categories of Cruzeiro, the club where he became a professional. In 2021, amid the financial difficulties of the Minas Gerais team in Série B, the striker was traded, beginning his journey in European football.

His first stop was at Ludogorets, from Bulgária, where he demonstrated his potential by scoring 21 goals in 52 matches. Este’s performance attracted the attention of Club Brugge, from Bélgica, a team with greater visibility and tradition on the continent, where it transferred.

Featured on Premier League

At Bélgica, Igor Thiago remained for just one season, but it was enough to stand out as an absolute starter, finding the net 29 times in 55 games. Sua goalscoring ability and mobility took him to Brentford, in Inglaterra, where, despite an injury-marred and goalless first season, he quickly adapted to the pace and intensity of Premier League.

He currently occupies the position of second top scorer in the English league, with 18 goals scored, just four less than top scorer Haaland, from

The profile for Seleção

At 1.91 meters tall, Igor Thiago is not limited to acting as a fixed center forward. Sua mobility allows him to participate in the construction of plays outside the area, although his strong point is his constant presence close to the goal and the ability to receive long passes and finish them. The Essa feature aligns directly with Carlo Ancelotti’s search for a number 9 with a more wide profile, capable of offering a robust and efficient option for the Seleção, complementing other parts of the attack. The expectation is that he can show his full potential in the team’s next commitments.