Nottingham Forest have announced Igor Jesus as the club’s first signing of the transfer window, with the Brazilian striker adding much-needed competition in the forward areas.
Forest signed Jesus on a four-year deal from the Brazilian side, ending a lengthy pursuit that was interrupted by his involvement at the Club World Cup.
In the announcement, Jesus shared his excitement about joining Forest and plying his trade in European football for the first time, a sentiment shared by Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson.
As the anticipation grows to see him in action for the first time in pre-season, here is all you need to know about Forest’s new striker, Igor Jesus.
Who is Igor Jesus?
Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz is a Brazilian striker who was born on the 25th February 2001 in Cuiaba. Since making his debut for Coritiba at 17, Jesus has made over 200 appearances for club and country.
Igor Jesus’ career
Jesus made 57 appearances for Coritiba over two seasons before making a surprise move to Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai in 2020.
Four seasons in the Middle East were enough for Jesus, who made his return to Brazil with Botafogo, where his talents were brought to the attention of Forest.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Coritiba | 57 | 7 | 1 |
| Shabab Al-Ahli | 84 | 40 | 17 |
| Botafogo | 59 | 17 | 6 |
Igor Jesus Arsenal
Jesus rejected a move to Forest in January 2025, but the Reds weren’t the only Premier League side chasing his signature.
Arsenal also wanted to sign Jesus and actually made the first move ahead of the Club World Cup as Arsenal reopened negotiations to sign Jesus before Forest entered the picture again.
Igor Jesus Club World Cup
Anyone who remained unsure about Jesus’ capabilities was reassured by his showing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Jesus scored against Seattle Sounders in Botafogo’s opening game of the tournament, but his most impressive moment came in one of the shocks of the tournament as Jesus scored the winner against PSG in a historic victory for the Brazilian side.
Is Igor Jesus on Instagram?
Jesus regularly posts about his career and personal life on his Instagram page to his 539,000 followers.
His username is: @igorjesus0
Igor Jesus kit number
Throughout his career both in the Middle East and in Brazil, Jesus has famously worn the number 99 shirt.
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