Igor Jesus is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for Nottingham Forest and the Brazil national team. Known for his physical strength, powerful heading, hard work, and intelligent movement, he travelled an unusual road from Coritiba’s academy to the United Arab Emirates before returning to Brazil, winning major trophies with Botafogo, and earning a transfer to England.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz |
| Popular name | Igor Jesus |
| Date of birth | February 25, 2001 |
| Age | 25 years old as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | Approximately 1.80 metres |
| Position | Centre-forward/striker |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Nottingham Forest |
| Reported shirt number | 11 |
| Contract | Until 2029 |
| Former clubs | Coritiba, Shabab Al Ahli, Botafogo |
| National team | Brazil |
| International debut | October 10, 2024 |
| First Brazil goal | Against Chile |
| Major honors | Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Série A |
| Relationship status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net worth | Not publicly verified |
Who Is Igor Jesus?
Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz is a Brazilian striker who became internationally known during his time with Botafogo.
He impressed supporters with his ability to battle defenders, hold the ball, create space for teammates, and score important goals. His performances helped Botafogo win both the Copa Libertadores and Brazil’s Série A title in 2024.
His reputation grew further during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Igor scored twice for Botafogo, including a famous winning goal against European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
That tournament introduced him to a much larger international audience. Soon afterward, Nottingham Forest signed him on a four-year contract.
He is also a Brazil international. He scored on his senior debut against Chile during a World Cup qualifying match in October 2024.
Where Was Igor Jesus Born?
Igor Jesus was born on February 25, 2001, in Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
As of September 2026, he is 25 years old.
Cuiabá is located near the geographical centre of South America. The city is known for its hot climate and its position near the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.
Igor’s early family life has remained private. His parents’ names and occupations have not been widely confirmed by dependable sports sources.
Like many Brazilian children, he developed a love for football at a young age. His talent eventually took him away from his home city and into the youth system of Coritiba.
Igor Jesus’ Early Football Journey
Igor joined Coritiba’s academy when he was approximately 13 years old.
Moving into a professional club’s youth system is a major step for any young footballer. Academy players must balance education, training, travel, fitness work, and competition for limited places.
A talented teenager may still face many setbacks. Coaches are constantly judging technique, attitude, strength, speed, and tactical understanding.
Igor continued developing as a centre-forward. His height, power, and ability to protect the ball made him useful against strong defenders.
By the age of 18, he had earned an opportunity with Coritiba’s first team.
His Professional Debut With Coritiba
Igor made his senior debut for Coritiba on January 23, 2019, during a Campeonato Paranaense match against Maringá.
He entered the game as a substitute.
Only one week later, he received his first senior start against Athletico Paranaense. He marked the occasion by scoring his first professional goal.
A goal in the Atletiba derby was a special achievement. Matches between Coritiba and Athletico Paranaense carry strong local rivalry, meaning players face extra pressure from both groups of supporters.
The young striker’s performance attracted attention, and Coritiba rewarded him with a new contract in March 2019.
He made his national-league debut in a Série B match against CRB on May 20 of the same year.
Igor Jesus’ Record at Coritiba
Igor spent the early part of his senior career learning through regular matches with Coritiba.
Across league and state competitions, he made more than 50 appearances and scored seven goals.
Those numbers may not look enormous for a striker, but he was still a teenager developing his game. Young forwards must learn how to compete against experienced defenders who are stronger and better at predicting movement.
Igor also helped Coritiba return to Brazil’s top division.
In 2020, he received an opportunity to leave Brazil and join Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates.
The move surprised some supporters because young Brazilian talents more commonly aim directly for Europe. However, it gave him regular playing time, financial stability, and experience in a different football culture.
Moving to Shabab Al Ahli
Igor joined Shabab Al Ahli in 2020.
The club is based in Dubai and competes in the UAE Pro League. Moving from Brazil to the United Arab Emirates brought major changes in language, weather, culture, food, and playing style.
Igor adapted quickly.
During his first season, he scored regularly and helped his team compete for domestic trophies. His strength and direct attacking style worked well in the league.
He spent approximately four years with Shabab Al Ahli. League records credit him with 34 goals in 66 appearances, while his total across all competitions was even higher.
His time in Dubai was an important part of his development. He gained confidence, learned to live abroad, and experienced continental competition.
Trophies Won in the United Arab Emirates
Igor enjoyed considerable team success with Shabab Al Ahli.
His major honors there included:
- UAE President’s Cup
- UAE League Cup
- UAE Super Cup
- UAE Pro League title
Shabab Al Ahli won the UAE Pro League during the 2022–23 season.
Igor also enjoyed one of his strongest scoring periods during the 2023–24 campaign. His improved form showed that he was ready for a new challenge.
Although he had played outside Brazil for several years, many supporters in his home country had not followed his progress closely. That changed when Botafogo brought him back in 2024.
Why Did Igor Jesus Join Botafogo?
Igor returned to Brazil and officially joined Botafogo in July 2024.
Botafogo is one of Rio de Janeiro’s historic football clubs. Its supporters had experienced many difficult seasons and were desperate to see the team win major championships again.
The club was building an ambitious squad containing players such as Luiz Henrique, Thiago Almada, Jefferson Savarino, and goalkeeper John Victor.
Igor gave Botafogo a strong focal point in attack. He could play with his back toward goal, challenge for high balls, pressure defenders, and create space for fast teammates.
His contribution could not always be measured only through goals. Even when he did not score, his movement and physical battles helped the team attack.
Winning the 2024 Copa Libertadores
Botafogo’s 2024 Copa Libertadores victory became one of the greatest moments in the club’s history.
The Libertadores is South America’s most important club tournament. Winning it is similar to becoming the champion of the continent.
Botafogo faced Atlético Mineiro in the final on November 30, 2024.
The match began badly when Botafogo’s Gregore received a red card in the opening minute. The team had to play almost the entire final with ten men.
Instead of collapsing, Botafogo showed remarkable courage and won 3–1.
Igor Jesus did not score in the final, but he had made valuable contributions during the tournament. His work as the central striker helped Botafogo reach the decisive match.
It was the first Copa Libertadores title in the club’s history.
Becoming a Brazilian Champion
Botafogo completed an extraordinary double by winning the 2024 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
The league triumph came only days after the Libertadores victory.
Winning two major trophies in the same season transformed the team’s players into club heroes. It also ended Botafogo’s long wait for another Brazilian league championship.
Igor finished the 2024 season with important goals in both domestic and continental competition.
His performances attracted the attention of the Brazil national team and clubs outside South America.
In less than six months, he had moved from relative anonymity among many Brazilian fans to becoming a continental champion and international player.
Igor Jesus’ Brazil Debut
Brazil called Igor into the senior national squad for the first time in September 2024.
The team was preparing for World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Peru. Brazil had several famous attacking options, so Igor’s selection showed how quickly his Botafogo performances had impressed the coaching staff.
He made his international debut against Chile in Santiago on October 10, 2024.
The match began badly for Brazil when Chile scored in the second minute. Igor responded by heading home an equalizer shortly before halftime.
Luiz Henrique later scored the winner as Brazil completed a 2–1 comeback.
Scoring on an international debut is a dream for any footballer. Doing it in a World Cup qualifier made the occasion even more special.
Igor has recorded five senior appearances and one goal for Brazil through the latest widely published totals.
Why Brazil Selected Igor Jesus
Brazil has produced many skillful attackers, but the national team sometimes needs a traditional centre-forward.
Igor offers qualities that are different from those of a small winger or creative midfielder.
His strengths include:
- Competing for headers
- Protecting the ball under pressure
- Pressing opposing defenders
- Making runs behind the defence
- Creating space for wide attackers
- Challenging physically inside the penalty area
- Finishing with either his head or right foot
These abilities made him useful in difficult qualifying matches where Brazil needed a strong presence near the opponent’s goal.
He faced competition from other Brazilian forwards, so no international place was guaranteed. Still, earning a call-up and scoring on debut proved that his journey through the UAE had not removed him from national-team consideration.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 gave Igor another chance to impress.
Botafogo travelled to the United States after qualifying as the South American champion. The club entered a difficult group containing Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, and Seattle Sounders.
Igor scored against Seattle as Botafogo opened the tournament with a victory.
His biggest moment came against Paris Saint-Germain. PSG had recently won the UEFA Champions League and entered the competition as one of the favourites.
Igor scored the match’s only goal as Botafogo claimed a memorable 1–0 victory.
He received Player of the Match recognition in Botafogo’s opening two games. Nottingham Forest later highlighted those performances when announcing his signing.
The Famous Goal Against PSG
Igor’s goal against PSG changed the way many European supporters viewed him.
He collected the ball during a quick Botafogo attack, held off the defence, and finished with the help of a deflection.
The goal may not have been the most beautiful of his career, but it was hugely important.
Botafogo defeated a team filled with expensive international stars. The result showed that South American champions could still compete with Europe’s leading clubs.
For Igor personally, the goal arrived at the ideal time. European clubs and Premier League supporters were watching the tournament closely.
Only weeks later, his move to Nottingham Forest became official.
Joining Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest announced Igor Jesus’ signing on July 5, 2025.
He agreed to a four-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2029. The reported transfer fee was approximately £10 million.
Forest signed him after a productive Botafogo period in which he recorded 17 goals and six assists across 59 matches.
Moving to the Premier League represented a major challenge. English football is fast, physical, and closely followed around the world.
Igor also faced competition for the centre-forward position. Experienced striker Chris Wood had already proven himself as a dependable Premier League goalscorer.
Rather than expecting an automatic starting place, Igor had to learn the team’s system and take advantage of every opportunity.
His First Nottingham Forest Goals
Igor scored his first Forest goals in an EFL Cup match against Swansea City on September 17, 2025.
He scored twice, although Forest eventually lost the match 3–2 after surrendering their lead.
One week later, he produced another two-goal performance against Real Betis in the UEFA Europa League. The game finished 2–2.
Scoring four times within two matches immediately showed supporters his finishing ability.
His Europa League performance was particularly encouraging because Real Betis provided experienced European opposition.
Igor continued competing for minutes in the Premier League, where defenders gave him very little space.
Igor Jesus’ Nottingham Forest Statistics
Igor completed a busy first season in England.
Published 2025–26 totals credit him with:
- 34 Premier League appearances
- Six league goals
- Four league assists
- 48 appearances in all competitions
- 16 goals in all competitions
The exact figures may change as databases correct or update competition records, but they show that he became a useful part of Forest’s squad.
The Premier League’s official player page listed six goals and four assists across his first 39 league appearances by September 2026.
He began the 2026–27 season still with Nottingham Forest.
What Is Igor Jesus’ Playing Style?
Igor is a strong, active centre-forward.
He does not simply wait inside the penalty area for an easy chance. He moves across the front line, challenges centre-backs, presses opponents, and tries to bring teammates into attacks.
One of his strongest qualities is his aerial ability. He times jumps well and can direct headers toward goal.
He is also comfortable receiving the ball with a defender behind him. By protecting possession, he gives midfielders and wingers time to move forward.
His playing style can be especially useful in the Premier League, where teams often need a striker capable of surviving physical contact.
He is not the fastest Brazilian attacker or the most creative dribbler. His value comes from combining strength, effort, positioning, and reliable finishing.
Igor Jesus’ Strengths
The striker’s main strengths include:
Physical power
Igor can compete directly with large centre-backs and is difficult to push away from the ball.
Heading ability
He is a serious threat from crosses, corners, and long passes.
Defensive effort
He works hard without the ball and helps pressure opponents near their own goal.
Movement
He understands when to move toward the ball and when to run behind the defence.
Team play
Igor can create room for quicker teammates by occupying multiple defenders.
Big-game confidence
He has scored in important matches, including his Brazil debut and Botafogo’s Club World Cup victory over PSG.
Areas He Can Improve
Like every footballer, Igor still has parts of his game to develop.
He can become more consistent when finishing difficult chances. Premier League forwards may receive only one clear opportunity in an entire match, making accuracy extremely important.
His passing and close control can also improve when facing aggressive pressure.
He must continue adapting to English football’s speed. Decisions that were possible in Brazil or the UAE may need to be made more quickly in the Premier League.
He is only 25, which means he still has time to develop these skills.
Igor Jesus’ Salary and Net Worth
Igor’s exact Nottingham Forest salary has not been officially published by the club.
Sports websites may provide wage estimates, but these numbers can differ widely and should not be treated as confirmed facts.
His transfer to England and years as a professional footballer have likely provided significant income. However, salary is not the same as net worth.
A player’s personal wealth depends on taxes, agent fees, spending, investments, property, sponsorships, and family responsibilities.
No dependable public financial documents confirm Igor Jesus’ net worth. Any exact amount presented online should therefore be described as an estimate rather than a proven fact.
Is Igor Jesus Married?
Igor keeps his personal and romantic life largely private.
Dependable football sources do not clearly confirm whether he is married, dating, or single.
Some social-media pages may make claims about a girlfriend or wife, but these statements should not be repeated without strong evidence.
His private approach allows attention to remain on his football career.
Information about his home address, relatives, or personal accounts should also be handled responsibly.
Igor Jesus Is Not the LAFC Player
There are two Brazilian professional footballers commonly called Igor Jesus.
The player discussed in this article is Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz, born on February 25, 2001. He is a striker for Nottingham Forest.
Another Igor Jesus was born on March 7, 2003, in Goiânia. That player is a defensive midfielder associated with Los Angeles FC.
The LAFC player suffered a serious knee injury in 2025. That injury did not happen to Nottingham Forest’s striker.
This distinction is important when searching for photographs, statistics, injury updates, or transfer information.
Final Thoughts
Igor Jesus’ career proves that there is no single correct road to the top of football.
He began at Coritiba, left Brazil for the United Arab Emirates, and spent four years developing with Shabab Al Ahli. Some supporters may have thought his chance to represent Brazil had disappeared.
Instead, he kept improving.
His return to Brazil with Botafogo changed everything. Within a few months, he won the Copa Libertadores, became a Brazilian champion, received a national-team call-up, and scored on his international debut.
The 2025 Club World Cup then brought another unforgettable moment. His winning goal against Paris Saint-Germain helped Botafogo defeat the European champions and placed him in front of a worldwide audience.
Nottingham Forest moved quickly, signing him to a four-year contract. Igor responded with goals in English and European competition during his first season.
At 25, his story is still developing. He must continue working to become a regular Premier League scorer and earn more opportunities with Brazil.
Whatever happens next, his journey from Cuiabá to Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, and Nottingham has already made him one of Brazil’s most interesting modern strikers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Igor Jesus?
Igor Jesus is a Brazilian professional striker who plays for Nottingham Forest and the Brazil national team.
What is Igor Jesus’ full name?
His full name is Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz.
When was Igor Jesus born?
He was born on February 25, 2001.
How old is Igor Jesus?
He is 25 years old as of 2026.
Where was Igor Jesus born?
He was born in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Which position does Igor Jesus play?
He mainly plays as a centre-forward or striker.
Which club does Igor Jesus play for?
He plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.
When did Nottingham Forest sign Igor Jesus?
Forest announced his signing on July 5, 2025.
How long is Igor Jesus’ Nottingham Forest contract?
He signed a four-year agreement running until 2029.
Which clubs did Igor Jesus play for before Forest?
He played for Coritiba, Shabab Al Ahli, and Botafogo.
What did Igor Jesus win with Botafogo?
He won the 2024 Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Série A title.
Did Igor Jesus score against PSG?
Yes. He scored Botafogo’s winning goal in a 1–0 Club World Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain in June 2025.
Has Igor Jesus played for Brazil?
Yes. He made his senior international debut in October 2024.
Did Igor Jesus score on his Brazil debut?
Yes. He scored against Chile in a 2–1 World Cup qualifying victory.
How tall is Igor Jesus?
He is approximately 1.80 metres, or around 5 feet 11 inches tall.
Is Igor Jesus married?
His current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
What is Igor Jesus’ net worth?
His personal net worth has not been publicly verified.
Is the Nottingham Forest striker the same Igor Jesus who plays for LAFC?
No. They are two different Brazilian footballers. Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus is a striker born in 2001, while LAFC’s Igor Jesus is a midfielder born in 2003.
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