On October 10, 2024, Igor Jesus made a memorable debut for the Brazil national team, scoring an important goal in a 2-1 victory against Chile during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The young forward’s performance helped Brazil secure a win, marking the start of what could be a bright future for him in international football. As a promising talent who recently joined Botafogo, Igor Jesus is quickly making a name for himself both in club football and on the international stage.
Born in Cuiabá, Brazil, on February 25, 2001, Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz, known simply as Igor Jesus, began his football journey at a young age. He started in Coritiba’s youth ranks before progressing to professional football, and now, at just 23, he is already catching the attention of football fans and analysts.
Club Career Summary
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coritiba | 2019-2020 | 56 | 7 |
| Shabab Al Ahli | 2020-2024 | 66 | 34 |
| Botafogo | 2024-present | 13 | 5 |
Key Takeaways
- Igor Jesus made his debut for the Brazil national team on October 10, 2024, scoring an equalizer in a crucial 2-1 victory over Chile.
- He began his professional career with Coritiba and later played for Shabab Al Ahli before joining Botafogo in 2024.
- His international debut came at an important time for Brazil, as they continue to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- Igor’s versatility as a forward has made him a valuable player for his clubs and the national team.
Early Career and Rise in Football
Youth Journey with Coritiba
Igor Jesus began his football career with Coritiba’s youth academy in 2015, where his talent quickly stood out. At Coritiba, he developed his skills and gained valuable experience playing with the club’s youth team, which paved the way for his professional debut in 2019.
Professional Debut and Early Years
In 2019, Igor made his first appearance in professional football for Coritiba. During his time with the club, he played in 56 matches and scored seven goals, proving his potential as a young forward. His performances attracted attention, and in 2020, he moved to Shabab Al Ahli, a club in the United Arab Emirates, where his goal-scoring prowess further improved.
Shining at Shabab Al Ahli
Igor Jesus’s career took a significant leap when he joined Shabab Al Ahli in 2020. Over four seasons, he scored 34 goals in 66 appearances, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net regularly. His impressive performance helped him gain recognition, leading to a transfer to Botafogo in early 2024.
Igor Jesus at Botafogo – A Fresh Start
Joining Botafogo in 2024
Igor Jesus’s move to Botafogo marked a new chapter in his career. Since joining, he has already made a notable impact, scoring five goals in 13 appearances. His presence has boosted the team’s attacking options, and he quickly became a key player for Botafogo in the Brazilian league.
Building Momentum for the National Team
His strong performances at Botafogo earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team in October 2024, a significant milestone for any young player. His debut against Chile was a proud moment, as he not only made his first appearance for the national team but also scored a crucial equalizer to help secure a 2-1 win.
Igor Jesus’s International Career – Seleção Brasileira
Making an Impact on His Brazil Debut
Igor Jesus made an immediate impact during his debut for the Brazil national team on October 10, 2024. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chile, he scored Brazil’s equalizer after the team had conceded an early goal. This goal shifted the momentum in Brazil’s favor, and the team went on to win the match 2-1.
The Road Ahead for Igor Jesus with Brazil
Being called up to represent Brazil is a major achievement, and Igor’s promising debut suggests he could become a regular feature in the national squad. As Brazil continues its qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup, Igor will likely have more opportunities to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success.
What Makes Igor Jesus a Unique Talent?
Versatility as a Forward
Igor Jesus is known for his versatility in the forward position. He can play both as a central striker and on the wings, making him a flexible attacking option for his team. His quick pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability allow him to take on defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Determination and Work Ethic
From his youth career at Coritiba to his rise with Botafogo and Brazil, Igor has shown a strong determination to improve and succeed. His hard work and dedication to his craft have helped him adapt quickly to different playing styles and levels of competition.
Future Potential
At just 23 years old, Igor Jesus has already made significant strides in his career. If he continues to develop and perform at this level, he could be one of the key players in Brazil’s national team for years to come.
FAQs
What is Igor Jesus’s full name?
His full name is Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz.
When was Igor Jesus born?
He was born on February 25, 2001, in Cuiabá, Brazil.
Which clubs has Igor Jesus played for?
Igor has played for Coritiba, Shabab Al Ahli, and Botafogo.
How many goals did Igor Jesus score during his time at Shabab Al Ahli?
He scored 34 goals in 66 appearances for Shabab Al Ahli.
What position does Igor Jesus play?
Igor is a forward who can play both as a striker and on the wings.
How did Igor Jesus perform in his debut for the Brazil national team?
He scored an equalizer in a 2-1 victory against Chile during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
When did Igor Jesus join Botafogo?
Igor joined Botafogo in 2024 and has scored five goals in 13 appearances so far.
Igor Jesus’s story is just beginning, and his debut for Brazil indicates a bright future ahead. As he continues to play for Botafogo and the national team, his journey will be closely followed by football fans eager to see his development.