Igor Thiago completes dream journey from bricklayer to Brazil squad

From working as a construction assistant and delivery boy to earning a place in Brazil’s national football team, Igor Thiago’s journey has become one of the most inspiring stories in world football.

Like legends such as Pelé, Diego Maradona, Carlos Tevez, and Luis Suárez, Thiago battled poverty and hardship from an early age before rising to the biggest stage of the sport.

After losing his father at just 13, Thiago was forced to help support his family alongside his mother. During that difficult period, he worked in markets, cleaned cars, delivered fruits, and served as a construction worker’s assistant — all while continuing to chase his football dream.

Despite the struggles, football remained at the center of his life. He regularly played in local streets and neighborhood grounds, where his talent quickly attracted attention. A breakthrough came when he participated in a football tournament organised by an NGO, eventually catching the eye of former footballer Tico.

Thiago was later sent to the small Brazilian club Verê in Paraná state, a major turning point in his career. There, he impressed from the beginning and became the top scorer in the 2018 Paraná Under-17 Championship before earning promotion to the Under-20 side.

His performances soon attracted scouts from Cruzeiro, where he signed his first professional contract. Though the early days were mentally challenging due to pressure and being away from family, Thiago gradually adapted and matured as a player.

His career then took him to Bulgarian club Ludogorets before moving to Belgian side Club Brugge. In 2024, Premier League club Brentford signed him in a deal worth around $41 million.

Thiago has since enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in England, scoring 22 goals in his second Premier League season. He is currently the league’s second-highest scorer behind Erling Haaland.

His remarkable rise earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team in March, where he has already scored once in two appearances. Now included in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans ahead of the upcoming World Cup, Igor Thiago is preparing for the biggest chapter of his extraordinary journey.