Softfootball can confirm that Nottingham Forest has officially announced the signing of Igor Jesus from Botafogo, with the Brazilian forward penning a four-year contract at the City Ground.
The 24-year-old becomes Forest’s latest addition in the summer window, following a verbal agreement reached in June alongside his Botafogo teammates Cuiabano and Jair Cunha.
According to The Athletic, Jesus became a subject of interest due to his performance at the ongoing Club World Cup.
Jesus made the switch to Botafogo in 2024 from Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE Pro League and went on to score 17 goals in 59 appearances for the Brazilian outfit. In the 2025 season, he recorded nine goals and one assist across 29 matches, including two goals during Botafogo’s run to the Club World Cup Round of 16.
Jesus told Forest’s official channel of his interest in playing in the EPL.
“I didn’t have to think twice about the offer, I embraced it.”
“I embraced the project that they sent me. I am delighted to be coming here and hope to do some great work.”
The striker featured for the full 120 minutes in Botafogo’s extra-time loss to Palmeiras in the Club World Cup last-16 tie, underlining his role as a key figure in the squad.
His performances have also earned him a first senior call-up to the Brazil national team, where he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Chile last November.
The arrival of Igor Jesus marks Nottingham Forest’s first signing of the summer, but it already appears poised to be one of the most impactful.
Speaking about his abilities, Jesus said what matters to him is making a meaningful contribution to the team.
“I think I’m a completely mobile player. I have a lot of mobility up front. I hope to help my teammates as much as possible, by scoring goals and contributing to the team. I’m certain that I’m prepared for this new challenge and hope to achieve good results and help Forest in the best way possible.”
With Taiwo Awoniyi facing another spell on the sidelines due to injury, Forest needed to reinforce their attacking line. Jesus’ addition provides both much-needed cover and competition in the final third as the club looks to strengthen ahead of the new campaign.
Jesus now becomes part of Forest’s long-term attacking rebuild as the club prepares for the 2025–26 campaign, aiming to strengthen their forward options under head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
Softfootball had earlier reported on Nottingham Forest’s commitment to signing players ahead of their competition next season after Santo signed a three-year deal to keep him longer at the club.
Having sorted out the future of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest is now ready to intensify their activity in the transfer window as they looks to finish in the top 6 next season.
Santo was offered a new three-year deal after leading the club to their highest league finish in 30 years and qualification for the UEFA European competition for the first time since 1995/96.
The club is now moving boldly in the transfer window, and their next target is to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan.
