Igor Thiago sets record for most goals by a Brazilian in a Premier League season

LONDON (AP) — There have been plenty of top Brazilian players in the Premier League. None have scored more in a single campaign than Igor Thiago.

The 24-year-old striker made it 16 goals for the season in the league with a double for Brentford in its 3-0 win over Sunderland on Wednesday.

That's the most by a Brazilian in England's top flight in one season, according to stats company Opta.

Thiago overtook former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha — the former Wolverhampton forward now at Manchester United (2024-25) — who all had 15 goals in a single Premier League campaign.

Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Philippe Coutinho are other leading Brazil attackers to have played in the league.

Thiago is in his first season as Brentford's first-choice striker following the recent departures of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.

He has never played for Brazil but is pushing to make the national team's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this year.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer