Brentford striker Igor Thiago has used his first Brazil call-up to underline how far his game has traveled in west LondonPointing to his club form repeatedly when discussing this breakthrough moment.
The 24-year-old arrives on international duty following an excellent Premier League campaign. His 19 league goals have pushed him into the Golden Boot conversation, behind only Erling Haaland.
That output has been the basis for his inclusion in friendlies against France and Croatia. It has also attracted the attention of big clubs such as newcastle, aston villa, tottenhamand recently Chelsea.
However, when talking Brazilian FA official channel Igor Thiago continues to bring the conversation back to Brentford after breaking into the national team squad - and what his performances there represent now.
The Brentford platform at the center of their rise
He explained that his club form is not always perfectly visible to fans in Brazil. That's why he sees this call-up as an opportunity to bridge that gap.
"I think not everyone has the possibility to watch the Premier League or has time to watch Brentford play, but everyone will have time to watch our national team," he explained.
“For me, it's an opportunity to show my football, my grit and determination and get a little closer to my people.”
That comment says a lot about his role in Brentford's development. The goals have been scored in England, but this is the platform where he can present that work to a wider audience.
He also linked his selection directly to what he has produced at club level: "Our national team is huge. I think that's the kind of performance you have to perform to get here."
"Being behind Haaland and chasing the top scorer award with him, a goalscoring machine, motivates me even more to show that I am ready for the opportunity."
Emotional moment, but based on club reality
With that said, Igor Thiago did not hide how much the call-up meant to him on a personal level.
"Living here is the biggest dream of my life. It's the biggest accomplishment of my life. It doesn't even feel real." He said.
"When I wake up tomorrow, will it be real? It's a feeling I can't describe – only people who live this moment and are here will know what I'm talking about."
Still, he kept returning to the path that had led him here. He mentioned his journey Cruzeiro, who went through Ludogorets and Club Brugge before arriving at Brentford, highlighted how each move helped shape his mentality.
"I've been through a lot in my career. Every place taught me something. Today I feel more prepared, more mature."
What does this mean for Brentford
This is the result Brentford would have hoped for when they backed him. Their goals now have international importance, and even Brazilian fans are excited by his form.
More importantly, Igor Thiago is presenting himself as a player adapted to the Brentford environment. His own words confirm that link.
This international window provides exposure, but the message is clear – the work that earned it has been done in West London.
🇧🇷💬Igor Thiago | Inspirational words from Brentford player
⭐️ "I lost my father very early. My mother worked alone. Many times we did not have clothes or food at home. There were frequent power cuts. It was a very difficult period."https://t.co/ZfdjLyirp7 #BrentfordFC
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 7 January 2026
