Who is Forest's new striker Igor Jesus? 'A modern day Drogba!'

Nottingham Forest has officially bolstered their attacking ranks with the signing of Brazilian international striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo. The 24-year-old, known by his childhood nickname "Little Frog" (Sapinho), joins the Premier League club on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £10 million. His arrival comes on the back of an impressive showing at the recent Club World Cup, where he captivated audiences with his dynamic play and crucial goals.

Jesus's standout moment at the tournament was undoubtedly his darting run, timely nutmeg, and cool, deflected finish against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the group stages—a winner that resonated globally. Just four days prior, he had also found the back of the net against Seattle Sounders, earning him "player of the match" honors in Botafogo's first two games. These performances marked his final appearances for the Brazilian Serie A champions before his move to England.

Capped four times by Brazil, Jesus’s nickname "Little Frog" stems from his childhood, either due to his acrobatic saves as a young goalkeeper or his unique physique. He is also a fervent fan of the Anime series Dragon Ball Z, often celebrating goals with a "Kamehameha" pose, a signature move from the show's protagonist. He's had plenty of opportunities to perfect this celebration, having netted 70 goals in 206 professional appearances.

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Jesus began his career at Coritiba, helping them achieve promotion to Serie A. After a stint in the Middle East with Shabab Al-Ahli, where he scored 46 goals in 92 games over four seasons, he returned to Brazil in July 2024 to join Botafogo. There, he truly excelled, leading the line as the club clinched both the Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles last season. His impressive form also saw him make his Brazil debut last October, scoring in a World Cup qualifying win against Chile. South American football expert Tim Vickery even dubbed him "the modern-day Drogba" after his goal against PSG.

For Nottingham Forest, Jesus's arrival signals their intent as they prepare to return to European competition for the first time since 1995-96. His playing style, characterized by hold-up play, mobility, and the ability to create chances from seemingly nothing, appears well-suited to Forest's tactical approach. His performances on the world stage suggest that "Little Frog" might just be ready for a significant hop to the next level of his career.