Many great Brazilian players have graced the Premier League, but none have scored more in a single season than Igor Thiago.
The 24-year-old striker netted 16 goals this season after scoring twice for Brentford in their 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Wednesday.
This achievement makes him the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single season of England’s top flight, as confirmed by ESPN Research.
Thiago surpassed the record previously held by former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, and Matheus Cunha—the latter, now with Manchester United, who all recorded 15 goals in a Premier League season.
Other notable Brazilian forwards who have played in the league include Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, and Philippe Coutinho.
Thiago was on a hot streak with back-to-back hat tricks, including one against Everton on Sunday, when Brentford’s manager Keith Andrews substituted him in the 82nd minute against Sunderland.
“He’s invaluable to us,” said the Bees’ boss. “When he got a knock, it was always on my mind to protect him and ease the burden of a full game.”
“But with him scoring twice, I knew it would be a tough choice,” he added. “I had to make a decision that wasn’t entirely popular with him.”
This season marks Thiago’s first as Brentford’s primary striker following the departures of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa. He joined the club for £30 million ($40 million) from Club Bruges in the summer of 2024 but spent his entire first season sidelined due to injury.
“I think anyone who expected him to be this good is probably not being honest,” Andrews noted. “Not many have transitioned from the Bulgarian League to the Belgian League, taken a year off due to injury, and then made such an impact in our league. He’s been exceptional, and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.”
Despite never having played for Brazil, Thiago is eager to earn a spot on the national team for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this year.
Reporting includes information from The Associated Press and PA.