Two Brazilian footballers have said they continue to put their trust in God, amid contrasting fortunes ahead of the World Cup. 

Estêvão has missed out on a place in the squad through injury, but his prognosis has turned out better than doctors imagined. 

The striker had torn his hamstring while playing for Chelsea in April, but a recent MRI did not show visible signs of an injury.

Speaking at his church in Sao Paulo, he said the doctor “doesn't know what happened, because at this stage it shouldn't be so well structured as it is”. He had faced pressure from the club’s owner to have surgery, but he felt it was not the right decision.

“It's a procedure that will take time. God is in control,” he told the congregation. 

Igor Thiago, who has been selected for the Brazil team, spoke openly about how he was “very grateful to God… for everything he has provided”.

During a press conference, the striker, who plays club football for Brentford, said he had faith “to cling to God, knowing that I live under a promise”.

Ahead of playing at his first World Cup, Thiago said one of the biggest challenges he faced in his career was truly understanding that “God had a path laid out for me… but it was a very important process for me to be able to get here today”.

Several footballers have been giving God the glory heading into the men’s World Cup, which kicks off in less than a week. Curaçao, the smallest nation in the tournament, have prayed and sung worship together at their training camp. 

There are several Christian players among England’s squad, including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, who were vocal about their beliefs during the highs and lows at the end of the season. Scotland’s Ben Gannon-Doak, a Catholic, has spoken about being sustained by God as he faces a race against time to be fit in time for the tournament.