Igor Jesus, former Botafogo striker, is already making waves at Nottingham Forest, while the Rio club secures Danilo, ex-Palmeiras, in July 2025. The 24-year-old, transferred for 20 million euros, impressed in initial training sessions in England, showcasing physical prowess and versatility. In Rio, Botafogo invested 22 million euros to sign Danilo, aiming to maintain competitiveness in the Brasileirão and Libertadores. These moves highlight the connection between the clubs, with Forest strengthening its squad with Brazilians and Botafogo betting on new talents.
The striker, who won over Botafogo fans with crucial goals and charisma, left the club after the Club World Cup. His departure, marked by tributes, paved the way for Danilo’s arrival, who returns to Brazil after a stint at Nottingham Forest.
- Key transfer moves:
- Igor Jesus transferred for 20 million euros.
- Danilo signed for 22 million euros until 2029.
- Jair, Botafogo’s defender, also joins Forest.
Igor Jesus’s first steps in England
Igor Jesus arrived in Nottingham in July 2025, following an emotional farewell from Botafogo at the Club World Cup. His initial medical exams revealed exceptional physical conditioning, emphasizing his strength and endurance, vital for the Premier League’s intense pace. In training, the striker showcased precise finishing and tactical awareness, impressing coach Nuno Espírito Santo. He is expected to compete for a starting spot with seasoned forwards Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi.
His versatility, allowing him to play as a center-forward or on the wings, is a key asset. Nottingham Forest, seventh in the last Premier League, sees him as a boost for the 2025/26 season. The presence of other Brazilians, like Danilo, Murillo, and Carlos Miguel, eases his adaptation, fostering a familiar locker room environment.
- Highlights of Igor Jesus’s arrival:
- Medical exams showed above-average fitness.
- Training sessions with high finishing accuracy.
- Integration with Brazilian teammates at Forest.
- Debut expected in August 2025.
Lasting legacy at Botafogo
During his stint at Botafogo, starting in July 2024, Igor Jesus won fans with his dedication and game-changing goals. In 59 matches, he scored 17 goals and provided six assists, playing a pivotal role in the Brasileirão and Libertadores triumphs. His “Kamehameha” celebration, inspired by Dragon Ball Z, became a fan favorite. In an interview, he shared his mother’s request to save the celebration for a potential return, touching Alvinegro supporters.
His farewell unfolded in two stages. On June 4, 2025, he played his final match in Brazil against Ceará at Nilton Santos Stadium. Later, at the Club World Cup, he scored a historic goal against PSG, securing a 1-0 win. On July 16, Botafogo honored him with a commemorative plaque during halftime against Vitória, with fans chanting his name.
- Memorable moments at Botafogo:
- Goal against PSG in the Club World Cup.
- 17 goals in 59 matches, shining against Palmeiras.
- Tribute with plaque at Nilton Santos Stadium.
- “Kamehameha” celebration embraced by fans.
Danilo joins to strengthen Botafogo
As Igor Jesus shines in England, Botafogo announced Danilo, a 24-year-old ex-Palmeiras midfielder, in July 2025. The 22-million-euro deal, one of the club’s priciest, secures him until July 2029. Danilo fills the void left by Gregore, who moved to Al-Rayyan in Qatar. Initially hesitant due to Palmeiras-Botafogo rivalry, he was swayed by John Textor’s ambitious project.
Danilo brings a resume of titles, including the Brasileirão, Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil with Palmeiras from 2020 to 2022. At Nottingham Forest since 2023, he played 62 games, scoring six goals and providing four assists, but a recent injury reduced his role. His Botafogo debut is anticipated against Corinthians, under coach Davide Ancelotti.
- Details of Danilo’s transfer:
- Contract until July 2029.
- 22-million-euro deal, a club record.
- Replaces Gregore in the midfield.
- Convinced by Textor’s bold vision.
Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian strategy
Nottingham Forest has heavily invested in Brazilian talent, with Igor Jesus and Jair, a former Botafogo defender, as the latest additions. Since 2022, the club signed 11 Brazilians, including Danilo, Murillo, and Carlos Miguel. This approach highlights the value of Brazilian flair, improvisation, and physicality, ideal for the Premier League. Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo aids their integration, leveraging shared language.
Igor Jesus is viewed as a long-term investment with high resale potential. Club reports praise his adaptability to the Premier League’s physical demands, where solid defenses challenge forwards. Forest fans, excited by his arrival, hope he matches the success of other Brazilians in the squad.
- Brazilians at Nottingham Forest:
- Igor Jesus, signed for 20 million euros.
- Jair, ex-Botafogo defender, on a five-year deal.
- Danilo, ex-Palmeiras midfielder, key in midfield.
- Murillo, ex-Corinthians defender, defensive standout.
- Carlos Miguel, ex-Corinthians goalkeeper, squad addition.
Ambitious goals for the season
Nottingham Forest enters the 2025/26 season aiming to solidify its Premier League standing and excel in the Conference League. Igor Jesus bolsters the attack, while the Brazilian contingent strengthens team cohesion. At Botafogo, Danilo’s signing underscores John Textor’s drive to keep the club competitive in the Brasileirão and Libertadores. Despite missing Igor Jesus, Alvinegro fans are optimistic about new additions and Davide Ancelotti’s leadership.
Igor Jesus’s journey, from Coritiba to Botafogo stardom and now the Premier League, inspires young Brazilian players. His knack for decisive goals and fan connection made him an icon. At Forest, he faces the challenge of proving himself in a top league, while Botafogo invests in talents to sustain its prominence.
- Goals for 2025/26:
- Nottingham Forest: secure European competition spots.
- Botafogo: defend Brasileirão title.
- Igor Jesus: earn Premier League starting role.
- Danilo: establish midfield leadership.
- Club partnership for future deals.
