Igor Thiago says his Premier League Golden Boot fight with Erling Haaland has given him extra motivation to prove himself with Brazil, with the Brentford forward speaking to ESPN Brazil after his first senior call-up.
Igor Thiago says competing with Erling Haaland in the Premier League for top goal scorer has pushed him closer to the level he believes is needed to represent Brazil. In an exclusive interview with ESPN Brazil, the Brentford striker said his strong season and first senior call-up have shown him what is required to break into one of the deepest squads in international football.
Thiago has 19 Premier League goals this season, three behind Haaland and recieved his first call up to Brazil's International team, joining Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for friendlies against France and Croatia.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Thiago explained "To be behind Haaland, to compete for the top scorer title with him, a player that he is, a goal-scoring machine, I think that gives me even more motivation to represent my country,”
Brentford form rewarded
From a Brentford perspective, the interview is another marker of how far Thiago has come this season. The 24-year-old has been central to Brentford’s rise to seventh in the Premier League and in February, received a contract extension, which ties him to the club until at least 2031.
Thiago’s comments were not framed as empty ambition. They were tied directly to output. He told ESPN Brazil that, with the depth available to Brazil, attackers have to produce at a very high level to stay in contention. His message was clear: numbers matter, and this season has finally given him the numbers to put himself properly in the conversation.
Thiago also spoke emotionally about what the call-up means on a personal level. He said the recognition for his performances in England fills him with pride and called the moment the “greatest dream” and “greatest achievement” of his life. That line captured the scale of the breakthrough for a player whose rise at Brentford has now turned into a place in Brazil’s senior plans.
Brazil places still open
Brazil face France in Boston and Croatia in Orlando in their final friendlies before Ancelotti names his World Cup squad on May 18. The Brazil head coach said there are still “four or five places left” and made clear he has called up players he does not yet know well enough because competition for those spots remains fierce.
For Thiago, this isn't just an opportunity to enjoy his first camp. It is an opportunity to turn one call-up into something bigger before the final World Cup decisions are made. Brentford’s striker knows the route is narrow, but his form has at least given him a real chance to push through it.
Thiago’s season has already delivered goals, a contract extension and a place near the top of the Premier League scoring chart. Now it has also brought him into Brazil’s senior setup, with the player himself making clear that the battle with Haaland has only strengthened his belief that he belongs in that conversation.