Celebrations That Light Up the Pitch
Igor Jesus continues to perform his anime-inspired celebration across Europe. He grew up watching Dragon Ball Z and copies Goku’s energy blast whenever he scores. He delivered the move again after spending only 82 seconds on the field in Forest’s Europa League match at Utrecht on Thursday. His late strike secured a 2-1 victory. That goal marked his fourth in Europe and seventh in all competitions, and the 24-year-old insists he will keep pushing forward.
“It felt great to score after one minute on the pitch,” he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
He focused completely on the match while waiting on the bench and promised to give maximum effort once the coach selected him. He stated clearly, “I want to continue like this.”
A Journey Built on Persistence
Igor Jesus arrived at Forest in the summer after leaving Botafogo. He began his professional career five years ago with Coritiba, a Serie B club in Brazil’s eighth-largest city. At only 18, he scored three times in 24 games and helped the side gain promotion. He faced early challenges at the higher level and chose to move to Shabab Al-Ahli in the United Arab Emirates midway through the following season.
He spent four years there and produced 46 goals in 92 matches. He returned to Brazil in July 2024 and joined Botafogo, where he quickly excelled. He led the attack as the club won both the Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores. Scouts across the world took notice. Igor Jesus earned his first Brazil cap in October last year and scored in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in tough conditions in Chile. South American football analyst Tim Vickery labeled him “the modern-day Drogba” after he hit the winner against European champions Paris St-Germain during the Club World Cup group stage.
A Goal That Ended a Long Wait
His strike on Thursday carried added importance for Nottingham Forest supporters. Their last away European victory came in 1995, when they beat Auxerre in the Uefa Cup. Few expected a three-decade gap before they witnessed another moment like it. The victory now places Forest firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish in the Europa League league phase, which guarantees direct entry into the knockout round.
Forest manager Sean Dyche praised his players and the travelling fans. He expressed delight with the group’s commitment and satisfaction with the team’s progress. He emphasized his hope that the positive momentum continues.
