Igor Jesus: Super sub ends Nottingham Forest’s long way for away win in Europe

Igor Jesus joined Forest in the summer from Brazilian side Botafogo.

His career started five years ago at Coritiba, a then Serie-B side based in Brazil’s eighth largest city.

As an 18-year-old he scored three goals in 24 appearances to help them secure promotion.

But, after initially struggling at a higher level, he left midway through the following campaign to join Emirati side Shabab Al-Ahli.

He spent four seasons in the Middle East, scoring 46 goals in 92 games, before returning to Brazil and Botafogo in July 2024.

There he has excelled. He led the line as his side lifted the Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles last season.

Unsurprisingly, the scouting departments at numerous club around the world were on high alert.

Igor Jesus made his Brazil debut in October last year, scoring in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in difficult conditions in Chile.

South American football expert Tim Vickery called him “the modern-day Drogba” after he scored the winner against European champions Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup group stage during the summer.