Igor Thiago named in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad after rise from garbage collector and bricklayer
Football
Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, who worked as a garbage collector and a bricklayer in Brazil, has been named in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup after a record-breaking season with Brentford that earned him his first Brazil call-up.
His ascent from poverty to Premier League stardom has been shaped by family sacrifice, personal loss and resilience.
A difficult World Cup left the 25-year-old facing renewed scrutiny, and he is drawing strength from his wife and children as he looks to rebuild his form.
