first goal for his national team in the 26th minute against Albania in a World Cup qualifier. Álvaro Odriozola sent in a cross from the right side of the box and Thiago directed the ball into the bottom corner from close range with his head. In May 2018, he was named in Spain's 24-men squad for the warm up matches for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Thiago was selected in the final 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup. Thiago appeared in two matches, against Portugal and Morocco. In May 2021, Thiago was included in the 24-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020. He was not included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Style of play Thiago is a highly creative and technically gifted playmaker, with excellent dribbling skills and ball control, which allows him to operate effectively in a deep-seated playmaking role as a central midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder. Called "an extraordinary player" by Xavi in 2013, Thiago has been noted for his accurate distribution of the ball, as he possesses great passing technique and vision, and maintained a 90.2% pass success rate throughout the 2016–17 Bundesliga season, higher than any other player in Germany. Despite his reputation as a world class midfielder in the media, Thiago has often struggled with injuries throughout his career. Personal life Thiago is the son of the Brazilian former footballer and 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho. His mother, Valéria Alcântara, was a former Brazilian volleyball player. His younger brother, Rafinha, plays for Al-Arabi SC and the Brazilian national team. Rodrigo, who also played for Spain, is a lifelong friend and not a cousin as has been erroneously reported. On 27 June 2015, he married his girlfriend, Júlia Vigas, in a ceremony in Sant Climent de Peralta, Catalonia, Spain. He possesses dual citizenship: Brazilian citizenship along with Spanish citizenship. Thiago is multilingual; he is fluent in five languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, German, and English. Career statistics Club International Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first Honours Barcelona La Liga: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13 Copa del Rey: 2011–12 Supercopa de España: 2010, 2011 UEFA Champions League: 2010–11 UEFA Super Cup: 2011 FIFA Club World Cup: 2011 Bayern Munich Bundesliga: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20 DFB-Pokal: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2019–20 DFL-Supercup: 2016, 2018 UEFA Champions League: 2019–20