Igor Thiago's first season as a Premier League player, in 2024/25, was heavily disrupted by knee injuries - and he more than made up for lost time the following season. The striker started all bar one of Brentford's league games and scored 22 goals - the most by a Brazilian in a single season in Premier League history. You have to go back 88 years to find the last time a Brentford player scored as many top-flight goals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player So far in 2026/27, though, Thiago has failed to hit the same heights. Seven games in, he has scored one goal and provided one assist. Ahead of the Bees' trip to the MKM Stadium to face Hull City on Super Sunday, Sky Sports takes a look at why...
Thiago was a surprise inclusion in Brazil's starting line-up for the opening game of the 2026 World Cup against Morocco. "For this game, Igor is strong up front, he's aggressive, he can fight for the ball in the air. I believe Igor can be good for the team in this game," said Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
After 13 minutes, Vinicius Junior clipped in a brilliant ball from the left, finding the striker just outside the six-yard box. But he mistimed his jump and made minimal contact, at best. "It's not working for Thiago up top.
He's missed a big chance and his hold-up play has been very stodgy," wrote Sky Sports' Lewis Jones during the game. Early in the second half at the MetLife Stadium, a fierce shot from distance was beaten away by Yassine Bono. At the 62-minute mark, he was replaced by Zenit Saint Petersburg winger Luiz Henrique - and he did not feature again at the tournament.
On the opening weekend, he had the chance to make the ideal start when Brentford - already 3-0 to the good against Tottenham - won a penalty after Rodrigo Bentancur bundled Kevin Schade over. He stuttered his run-up and, even though goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky dived the wrong way, he managed to hit the base of the left-hand post. Thiago shook his head, rolled his eyes and looked to the heavens.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
