Igor Jesus: A Comprehensive Analysis of Brazil’s Rising Forward
Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz, born on February 25, 2001, in Cuiabá, Brazil, has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising forwards of his generation in football. Standing at 1.79m and predominantly right-footed, the 24-year-old currently plays for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and represents the Brazilian national team.
It is important to note that he is distinct from the younger defensive midfielder of the same name, born in 2003. This report thoroughly examines his career trajectory, production statistics, skill set, and tactical value across various playing systems, while also assessing what he can contribute to his current Premier League team.
Early Career
Igor Jesus joined the Coritiba youth academy as a teenager in 2017 and made his senior debut in January 2019. Just a week later, he scored his first professional goal in the heated Athletiba derby against Atlético Paranaense, marking a significant milestone in his early career. His dynamic performances and scoring ability led to the club offering him a new contract by March of the same year, solidifying his position as a rising talent in Brazil’s Série B, where he became known for his goal-scoring instincts and effective link-up play.
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In 2020, Jesus made a pivotal move to Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, where he further developed his attacking prowess and improved his scoring touch. During his time at the club, he faced a significant challenge when he sustained a severe knee injury in 2022, which included an MCL sprain and a tibial plateau fracture.
His most significant challenge came in 2022 when he dealt with a complex knee injury that threatened his career. Following an intensive rehabilitation process, he made a determined return in September of that year, demonstrating both mental fortitude and physical resilience that would characterise his future endeavours.
However, he exhibited remarkable resilience, returning to the pitch in September and quickly regaining form. Over his four-year tenure at Shabab Al Ahli, he played a key role in securing the UAE Pro League title for the 2022/23 season, along with multiple domestic cups, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes matches. This swift advancement not only highlighted his technical ability but also the club’s unwavering trust in his natural instincts within the penalty box.
Breakthrough in Botafogo
In July 2024, Jesus returned to Brazil to sign with Botafogo, where he made an immediate impact. He contributed significantly to a historic season for the club, playing a crucial part in winning both the Série A title and the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2024.
Notably, his performances peaked at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States, where he scored crucial goals against top-tier teams like the Seattle Sounders and Paris Saint-Germain, both of which earned him Player of the Match honours and elevated his status as a standout player on the international stage.
Following his successful stint at Botafogo, Jesus secured a four-year contract with Nottingham Forest in July 2025. While he has only logged limited minutes in the Premier League so far—totalling around 15 minutes across two appearances—he is viewed as a long-term project for the club’s forward line, with high expectations for his potential impact as he adapts to English football.
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Statistics
(All-competitions tallies as of June 2025)
| Club | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|——————|——|——-|———|
| Coritiba | 49 | 5 | 2 |
| Shabab Al Ahli | 88 | 43 | 20 |
| Botafogo | 59 | 17 | 6 |
In addition to his club statistics, he made noteworthy contributions at the 2025 Club World Cup, scoring decisive goals that proved crucial in knockout matches, emphasising his ability to perform under pressure. At Nottingham Forest, despite limited appearances, the club holds high expectations for his adaptation process and future contributions.
Offensive Skillset
Box Movement & Finishing: Igor exhibits exceptional timing and positioning in the penalty area, effectively taking advantage of cut-backs and rebounds. His noteworthy tally of 43 goals in 88 appearances for Shabab Al Ahli underscores his consistent end-product and goal-scoring capability.
Hold-Up Play: His physical presence allows him to effectively engage defenders, using his body strength to bring midfield runners and wingers into play, creating opportunities in attacking phases.
Transition Weapon: Igor’s speed and agility make him a significant threat during counter-attacks, as he instinctively looks to exploit defensive gaps and transition quickly into offensive plays.
Aerial Threat: He possesses a competitive edge in aerial duels, often serving as an additional target during set pieces, which can create scoring opportunities.
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Mentality: His journey back from a major knee injury to reclaiming his goal-scoring form speaks volumes about his resilience, determination, and commitment to his craft.
Areas for Growth
Durability: Managing injury risk will be crucial as he navigates the physically demanding nature of European football.
Adaptation:He will need to acclimate to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, honing his skills to become a consistent scorer at the highest level.
Tactical Application
In a 4-2-3-1 (Transitional Play):** In this setup, Igor serves as the lone striker, effectively pinning centre-backs, linking play with the attacking midfielder (No. 10), and making incisive runs to support cut-backs delivered by wide players.
In a 4-3-3 (Positional Play):** Here, he plays as a reference point within the attack, facilitating intricate third-man combinations while exploiting half-spaces with intelligent channel runs.
In a 3-4-3 (Counter-Attacking):** He serves as the spearhead of the attack, stretching opposing defences vertically, while also playing a vital role in initiating the press, creating valuable second-ball opportunities for wing-backs and advanced midfielders.
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Igor contributes significantly at both ends during set pieces, offering a strong physical presence for attacking plays via near-post flick-ons while also playing a defensive role as a first-contact player to disrupt opposing set-piece routines.
Honours and Milestones
Shabab Al Ahli: UAE Pro League 2022/23, multiple domestic cups, and notable appearances in international competitions that showcased his talent on a larger stage.
Botafogo: Série A 2024, Copa Libertadores 2024, where he emerged as a key player in critical matches, and made influential contributions at the Club World Cup that solidified his reputation as a rising star in football.
Overall, Igor Jesus has demonstrated considerable skill, determination, and promise, positioning him as a player to watch in the coming years as he continues to develop his career at both the club and international levels. It’s why Forest paid £10 million for the Brazilian striker, with the 24-year-old coming off the bench in three Premier League matches vs. Brentford, Crystal Palace and West Ham, before making his first start in English football at Swansea City.
Jesus took the opportunity by the scruff of its neck, bagging a brace vs. Swansea City before being replaced at the interval by Arnaud Kalimuendo. Swansea would pull one back in the 68th minute before scoring two extra-time goals to seal their passage to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, subjecting Forest to a third-straight defeat.
After opening his account in English football, could Jesus be set to make his full Premier League debut at Burnley on Saturday? It remains to be seen if he’ll be capable of edging Chris Wood to the starting #9 role, but one thing’s for sure: if Forest are to put an end to their four-match losing streak, he will likely have a big role to play.
By: Ogunniyi Abayomi / @Cerebralcaldo
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Daniel Ramalho – AFP