A fairly original course, but which does not prevent it from being today one of the best Brazilian attackers. Never called between the U15 and the Brazilian A selection, the 24 -year -old was formed in Coritiba without ever really succeeding in making his hole (49 matches for 5 goals). Leaving at 19 in the United Arab Emirates, it is there that he will grow as a footballer. Contingship 88 games with the Shabab Al-Ahli club, he will score 43 goals and deliver 20 assists. Woning 5 trophies, including the 2022/2023 championship with the Emirati club, he will even receive approaches to join the selection, but will not make the big jump. Indeed, he still fully believed in the possibility of evolving one day in Seleçao with Brazil.
Leaving on the Botafogo side, he quickly spread Tiniquo Soares who was however the darling of the supporters and formed a fire attack with Luiz Henrique. In one year, he will play 59 matches for 17 goals and 6 assists and won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian championship. In addition, he will be summoned with Brazil in October 2024 and will start with a goal against Chile (2-1). If he has not been summoned since November 2024, he was able to take advantage of the Club World Cup (2 goals in 4 games) this summer to highlight himself and thus interest Nottingham Forest. He will also have marked during the 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain. The English club will have spent 19 million euros to win its services.
Promising beginnings with Forest
“I am really happy to be part of this new story, especially in a club like Nottingham Forest. I did not hesitate for a second. I accepted the project that I have been entrusted to me and I am delighted to come here and I hope to do a great job there. I will do my best to get excellent results and bring joy to the whole Forest family ”he explained when he arrived. The case did not look obvious to him because he came to competition from Chris Wood. The 33-year-old New Zealand striker comes out of an exercise where he scored 20 goals in 36 Premier League matches, allowing Nottingham Forest to reach a beautiful seventh place. Former Rennais Arnaud Kalimuendo also arrived on the side of the Reds. Strong competition that slowed down its adaptation. For the moment Igor Jesus has not yet scored in 4 Premier League games, he only played 45 minutes in the competition.
On the other hand, he shone in League Cup with a double despite the 3-2 defeat against Swansea. This Wednesday in the Europa League against Real Betis Balompé (2-2), he still made the powder speak with a new double. Having become the 5th Premier League player scored at least two doubles for his first two tenures in a club in the English elite, Igor Jesus is the top Brazilian scorer among the 5 largest European championships. He is ahead of Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) and Igor Thiago (Brentford) who count three goals.
Former West Ham player and Nottingham Forest, consultant Michail Antonio is also worried about Chris Wood as he explained on TNT SPORTS : “Chris Wood must absolutely pay attention to his rear. He really looks like a real threat». New teammate of Igor Jesus, Elliot Anderson is also under the spell: “It is always well placed, which is obviously a major asset for an attacker. He did a good job and scored two goals, then two others last week. It is really efficient and we see it in training. I'm really happy for Igor.»Having a huge chance to shine in the Premier League and aim for the 2026 World Cup with Brazil, Igor Jesus could well go into a new dimension.
