Igor Thiago scores in win over Chelsea, reaches 80 goals in Europe

Igor Thiago continues to turn his journey in European football into a story of rise. This Friday (18), the Brazilian forward scored one of the goals in Brentford’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the fifth round of the Premier League, once again making his mark against one of England’s biggest clubs.

The goal against Chelsea carried even greater meaning for the striker. According to the survey, Igor Thiago reached the milestone of 80 goals in European football. He has scored 29 goals for Club Brugge, 21 for Ludogorets, 3 for Ludogorets II, and now 27 for Brentford.

Igor Thiago’s journey in European football began at Ludogorets in Bulgaria. It was there that the striker started to earn space on the continent and build the reputation as a goal scorer that would later take him to Belgium.

At Ludogorets, he scored 21 goals, in addition to another four for the B team. His development caught the attention of Club Brugge in Belgium, where the Brazilian took another important step in his career.

For the Belgian club, Igor Thiago scored 29 goals, establishing himself as one of the main Brazilian strikers playing abroad. The numbers recorded by Opta show 18 goals during his time in the domestic league in the 2023/24 season, in addition to four in the cup.

His performances opened the doors to the Premier League. Signed by Brentford, Igor had to overcome a first season marked by injuries before finally breaking out in English football.

It was in the 2025/26 season that Igor Thiago reached the biggest moment of his career up to that point. The striker finished the campaign with 22 goals in the Premier League and 25 in all competitions for Brentford. His goal tally in the league was the highest ever recorded by a club player in a single Premier League season and also set the record for the most goals by a Brazilian in a single season of the competition.

The exceptional season also earned the Brazilian recognition from his fellow players. Igor was named to the PFA Team of the Season, becoming the first player in Brentford’s history to receive the honor. He was also voted the club’s player of the year by both the fans and his teammates.

Igor Thiago dreams of a return to the Brazil national team

His performances in England also changed his relationship with the Brazil national team. He received his first call-up to the senior squad, scored against Croatia and was later called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup.

Igor Thiago’s transformation happened in just a few years. After leaving Brazilian football and seeking opportunities in Europe, the striker built his career step by step: first in Bulgaria, then in Belgium, and finally in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

The goal against Chelsea represents another chapter in that evolution. At 25, the Brazilian already has 50 appearances and 23 goals in the Premier League. His journey, therefore, goes far beyond an individual milestone. The striker who left Brazil to try to establish himself in European football has become a leading figure in England, reached the national team, and played in the World Cup. Now, he continues to expand his story.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.