Igor Jesus

Executive Summary

Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz is a Brazilian centre-forward for Nottingham Forest. Born on 25 February 2001, he is in his first Premier League campaign after arriving from Botafogo in May 2025. He is currently competing for minutes in a crowded forward group under Oliver Glasner.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

He operates as a central striker with a solid technical base and a right foot as his strong side. He attacks with reactivity, shows good sense of positioning and perception of space, and is described as cold from medium distance. He is fast, plays in behind, and has good shooting precision. He is a good penalty taker and able in the air.

Career and Recent Context

He moved to Shabab Al-Ahli in February 2020 for €2m, returned to Brazil with Botafogo in October 2024, and joined Nottingham Forest in May 2025 for €19m. With Botafogo he scored twice in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, against Seattle Sounders and Paris Saint-Germain. Pre-season with Forest brought four goals in four appearances, including a strike in a 1-1 friendly against Vitória de Guimarães.

Transfers and Outlook

He is contracted to Nottingham Forest until 2029-06-30. Minutes remain the key question as Forest rotate several central forwards.