Brazilian forward Igor Thiago considers his first opportunity to work under national team coach Carlo Ancelotti a defining moment in his career. The Brentford striker, speaking through the Brazilian Football Confederation, described the Italian manager’s pedigree as “beyond words,” stressing that even absorbing a fraction of Ancelotti’s knowledge would be invaluable to his development.
Selected for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, Thiago is determined to use the window to showcase his qualities and strengthen his case for a place in the 2026 World Cup squad. Now 24, he views his call‑up as a personal milestone, noting that only those experiencing such a moment can truly grasp its significance.
Thiago arrives in Orlando in the best form of his career, having scored 19 Premier League goals for Brentford this season. He also reflected on his humble beginnings in Gama, recalling early jobs as a street vendor and construction worker that shaped his resilience.