Igor Thiago earns first Brazil call-up as Chelsea forward snubbed | OneFootball

Brentford talisman has turned Carlo Ancelotti’s head despite never playing for Selecao in youth ranks

Brentford striker Igor Thiago has received his first Brazil call-up, though both Estevao and Neymar have been left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Thiago is enjoying a superb campaign under Keith Andrews, scoring 19 goals in 30 league appearances. He is second only to Erling Haaland, who has 22 to his name.

And Thiago’s remarkable form, which earned him a contract extension last month, has been rewarded with a maiden senior call-up for the March international break - the Selecao’s final training camp before the summer’s World Cup.

Thiago, who has never appeared in Brazil’s youth ranks, will hope to make his bow in friendly meetings with France and Croatia in the United States.

He may line up alongside another resurgent striker in Endrick. The 21-year-old has struggled for form since joining Real Madrid in 2024, but has been firing on all cylinders since joining Lyon on loan in January, finding the back of the net six times in 12 outings.

Igor Thiago’s superb form has earned him a first Brazil call-up

REUTERS

Bournemouth’s Rayan will also join up for the first time in a somewhat experimental squad, which features two other debutants in Flamengo’s Leo Pereira and Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara.

There are some high-profile omissions, too. Chelsea winger Estevao is left out having recently returned from a hamstring injury, as is Neymar, who has struggled for form and fitness since undergoing knee surgery in December.

Chelsea pair Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro will travel with Ancelotti’s side, however, alongside Liverpool’s Alisson and Manchester United’s Casemiro.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal completes the Premier League contingent, though he will be competing with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr for minutes.