Nottingham Forest fans finally witnessed a moment they had been waiting 30 years to celebrate — an away victory in European competition. And it was Brazilian forward Igor Jesus who delivered it, continuing his rapid rise as one of Forest’s standout performers this season.

The 24-year-old striker came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 2–1 Europa League win over Utrecht, needing just 82 seconds on the pitch to make an impact. The dramatic finish not only pushed Forest into strong contention for a top-eight place in the league phase, but also etched Igor Jesus’ name into club history.

And once again, fans were treated to his now-iconic celebration — a nod to the anime series Dragon Ball Z, where Jesus fires off a Goku-style energy blast to mark his goals.

“It was very nice to score after one minute in the game,” he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
“When the coach puts me in, I give my best. I want to continue like this.”

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Who Is Igor Jesus? The Brazilian Forward Making Waves in Europe

Igor Jesus arrived at Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window after his breakout season with Botafogo, for a reported £10m fee. But his rise began years earlier in the Brazilian lower divisions.

Early Career at Coritiba

• Debuted as an 18-year-old
• Scored three goals in 24 games
• Helped Coritiba win promotion from Brazil’s Serie B

His early promise earned him attention, but he struggled to adapt to top-flight football and opted for a bold move abroad.

A Surprising Move to the Middle East

Igor Jesus joined Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE, spending four productive seasons:

• 46 goals in 92 matches
• Developed his physical play and finishing
• Became a more complete, mature centre-forward

Return to Brazil and Explosive Breakthrough at Botafogo

In 2024, he returned to Brazil, signing for Botafogo — a decision that transformed his career:

• Led Botafogo to the Brazilian Serie A title
• Helped them win the Copa Libertadores
• Emerged as one of the top strikers in South America

His performances earned him widespread praise and global interest, particularly after:

Brazil National Team Debut

Igor Jesus made his Brazil debut in October 2024, scoring in a tense World Cup qualifier away to Chile.

Prominent South American football analyst Tim Vickery even described him as:

“The modern-day Drogba,”
after his winning goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.

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A Historic Goal for Nottingham Forest

When Igor Jesus scored with his first meaningful touch against Utrecht, he did more than secure three points. He ended one of the longest European droughts in Forest’s history.

The club’s last away win in European competition came in 1995, a UEFA Cup victory over Auxerre. Three decades later, thousands of Forest fans were finally able to celebrate on foreign soil again.

Sean Dyche acknowledged the significance:

“I am delighted for the fans. Fantastic.
We are mixing things well, and very pleased with the results. Long may it continue.”

The win leaves Forest in a strong position to secure a top-eight finish in the Europa League’s new league phase, which would grant automatic entry into the knockout rounds.

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What Igor Jesus Has Brought to Forest

Since joining Forest, Igor Jesus has quickly become a fan favourite. His attributes include:

• Clinical finishing
• Physical presence reminiscent of elite power forwards
• Smart movement and anticipation
• A growing confidence on the European stage

With four Europa League goals and seven in all competitions, he is proving to be one of Forest’s most influential signings of the decade.

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A Future Star in the Making

Igor Jesus’ journey — from Serie B hopeful, to Middle East goal-getter, to Brazilian champion, to Premier League presence — reflects his determination and adaptability.

And with every goal, every celebration, and every standout performance, he is solidifying himself as a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s European journey.

If he continues at this pace, Forest’s long-awaited European revival may only be getting started.