Who is Igor Jesus, the Brazilian striker who scored on his debut in the World Cup qualifier against Chile?

Center forward Igor Jesus made his international debut for Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Chile on Friday.

He got himself on the scoresheet when he headed Raphinha's cross into the goal in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half.

The 23-year-old started ahead of Real Madrid teenager Endrick in his first ever appearance for the national team.

Since making his professional debut in 2019, Igor has played 155 games, scoring 55 goals and providing 23 assists.

He played four seasons for Emirati club Shabab Al-Ahli (from 2020 to 2024), where he played a crucial role in winning four trophies, including the UAE Pro League, UAE League Cup and two UAE Super Cups. In 87 appearances for the club, he found the net 43 times and assisted 20.

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He signed with Botafogo in July 2024 and was a standout player for the team that topped the Brazilian league and reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores. In 19 games for the club he scored seven goals and one assist.

“What I see is that Igor's moment is very interesting. “Endrick is still getting to know his new club, he is coming to the biggest club in world football with a lot of competition,” said Brazil coach Dorival Junior.

“I think that Igor's own experience and the moment in which he lives is a little different. “Perhaps it is important to have players with this profile for a game of this magnitude and at this time,” Dorival added.

After losing four of their last five qualifying games due to a series of poor performances, the record five-time World Cup winners now sit fourth in the standings with 13 points, ahead of Ecuador. Only the top six are guaranteed a place in the 2026 finals.

(With inputs from Reuters)