‘Hand of God Has Done It’: Brazilian Striker Takes His Faith to World Cup

Published: June 18, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

For Brazilian Football National Team striker Igor Thiago Nascimento, playing in the World Cup reminds him of God’s faithfulness.

“It will always be an honor to wear the shirt of the Brazilian National Team 🇧🇷 Moments like this seem like a dream, but they are proof that God is faithful and fulfills each of His promises,” the striker wrote on Instagram.

“Gratitude for living all of this, Lord, I continue to trust and keep my eyes fixed on You,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

Nascimento is the spiritual leader of his team as he constantly uses his platform to point others back to Christ. With 1 million followers, the striker writes “God is all I need” in his Instagram bio and talks about his faith in his posts.

“The hand of God has done it,” he shared on May 31. “In the presence of my people. In front of my family, before an entire nation. There is no greater pride than representing Brazil and seeing God’s faithfulness fulfilled before my eyes. All glory to the Lord for another moment that will forever be marked in my life.”

He concluded that post with Romans 11:36, which says, “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

View this post on Instagram

Nascimento found out he had been selected to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 18, and he celebrated in a room full of family and friends.

“Proud to be able to experience this, thank you Jesus,” he shared on social media. “When I was a child, this dream seemed distant, a boy from the interior of Goiás (Western City) dreamer and warrior. Today this dream comes true, my Brazilian people, what a pride to be able to represent our country in this special moment, we will go towards the hexa and with God’s will, we will bring this big dream home.”

At the end of the video, his family and friends laid hands on Nascimento and prayed over him as he prepared to represent his country on the biggest stage in soccer.

Brazil will face off against Haiti this Friday at 8:30 p.m. for their second game in the World Cup.

Whether on the pitch or on social media, Nascimento views his selection to the World Cup not just as a career pinnacle but as a divine calling to glorify God and fulfill a lifelong dream.

Questions or comments? Please write to us here.

Add Movieguide® as preferred on Google