Brentford striker Igor Thiago has already written his name into Premier League history. Now, the Brazilian forward is hoping his remarkable rise can carry him all the way to the World Cup.

Fuelled by a determination to honour the memory of his father and inspired by the goalscoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Thiago has emerged as one of the division’s most formidable attackers.

The 24-year-old set a new Premier League record for goals scored by a Brazilian in a single season when he struck twice in Brentford’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland on January 7. That brace took his league tally to 16 for the campaign, moving him beyond the previous benchmark of 15 set by Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha.

A host of celebrated Brazilian forwards — including Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Philippe Coutinho, Juninho and Robinho — have graced the Premier League in the past. Yet Thiago, once a largely unheralded figure, has outscored them all, combining physical dominance with ruthless finishing.

Just three years ago, he was playing in relative obscurity for Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad, nurturing distant ambitions of following in the footsteps of his childhood idol.

“I saw Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Manchester United and that was the biggest thing,” Thiago said. “I said, ‘I want to be like him.’”

His goals helped Ludogorets claim the Bulgarian title and earned him a move to Club Brugge in 2023. From there, his prolific form attracted Brentford’s renowned recruitment team, who secured his signature for a club-record £30 million ($40 million) in 2024.

Thiago’s debut season in England was disrupted by a serious knee injury, ruling him out for much of the campaign. But following the summer departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, a pathway opened for him in Keith Andrews’ side — and he has seized it emphatically.

He announced himself with a goal on the opening day against Nottingham Forest, followed by a brace against Manchester United and another strike in a win over Liverpool. A hat-trick at Everton preceded his record-breaking performance against Sunderland.

The speed of his ascent has surprised even his manager.

“I think anybody that thought he would have been this good is probably not being honest,” Andrews said. “He’s been sensational. I wouldn’t be swapping him for anybody. He is so precious to us.”

Thiago’s achievements carry deeper meaning given the hardship he endured growing up. His father died when he was just 13, forcing him to take work as a bricklayer and on a fruit stall to help support his mother Maria, who worked as a rubbish collector in their hometown of Gama, near Brasilia.

“My early life definitely affected the way I play,” he said. “It helped me as a man. It helped me to appreciate the little and big things.

“Today I look at my life and see that I’m privileged with everything I have.”

His goals have propelled Brentford to fifth place in the Premier League, igniting unexpected hopes of Champions League qualification. The Bees sit two points clear of west London rivals Chelsea ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Stamford Bridge.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Premier League,” Thiago said. “Many doubted I could do it, and I wanted to prove them wrong.”

Already linked with a move to league leaders Arsenal, Thiago has also forced his way into the conversation for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad. Though he has yet to earn a senior cap — despite holding a Bulgarian passport — representing the Selecao would mark the ultimate reward for his extraordinary journey.

“It’s my biggest goal,” he said. “When I reach there, which I will, it’ll mean I’ve made it.”