Soccer Football - Brasileiro Championship - Botafogo v Ceara - Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - June 4, 2025 Botafogo's Igor Jesus reacts after his last match with the team REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo. The 24 year old was one of the stars of the Club World Cup this summer, scoring twice throughout the tournament including the game winner against Champions League winners PSG.
He joined Botafogo just one year ago in July of 2024 from UAE side Shabab Al Ahli, and went on to lead the line as the club claimed the Brazilian Serie A and Copa Libertadores double.
His impressive form saw him earn his first Brazil call up for their World Cup qualifiers in October and November, scoring on his debut against Chile. His rise in profile saw him linked to Arsenal as well as a few other European giants although no official bids were launched for his services.
One year on and the player now has his Premier League move. Forest confirmed the player has signed a four year contract at the City Ground where he joins compatriot Murillo.
Igor Jesus joins Forest
 “I’m really happy to be a part of this new story, especially at a club like Nottingham Forest,” Jesus told Forest’s official website.
“I’m genuinely really happy and I hope I can give back on the pitch by getting good results, training well and having great moments in a Forest shirt. You can be sure that I will do my very best to help this club as much as I possibly can.”
“I followed the club towards the end of the season when I knew about the transfer to come here, I was really excited. I was really happy with the club’s success.”
“I really got behind the team competing for a Champions League place hoping to be able to experience that competition. Regardless of what competition we are playing in, you can rest assured that my heart and soul are a part of Nottingham Forest.”
Jesus will add great pace and mobility to the Forest front line. He is a handful for defenders with his all action style, snapping onto loose balls and playing off the shoulder of centre-backs.
His aggressive pressing off the ball helps lead the line, and he will provide a different option for Nuno Espirito Santo. Top goal scorer Chris Wood is fresh off of an impressive 20 goal season and is more of poacher in the box.
Jesus will be a useful alternative option as he contributes in more areas of the pitch. With Wood also turning 34 later this year, Jesus is a long term solution for Forest.
He will suit Forest’s style, running into the channels behind the backline and feeding off of service from the wide areas.
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