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Igor Jesus joined Nottingham Forest in the summer from Botafogo for a reported £10m
Igor Jesus’ anime-inspired celebration is becoming a familiar sight in Europe.
A longtime enthusiast of Dragon Ball Z, Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian forward marks his goals by emulating the iconic energy blast of Goku from the popular Japanese series.
He showcased the celebration just 82 seconds after entering Thursday’s Europa League match against Utrecht, with his late goal securing a 2-1 victory.
That marked his fourth European goal for Forest and seventh overall, with the 24-year-old eager to maintain his impressive form.
“It was very nice to score after one minute in the game,” Igor Jesus told BBC Radio Nottingham following the match.
“When I was [on the bench] I was just thinking of the game and when the coach puts me in the game I give my best.
“I want to continue like this.”
Igor Jesus’ transfer to Forest occurred this summer from Brazilian outfit Botafogo.
His professional career began five years prior at Coritiba, a Serie B team located in Brazil’s eighth-largest city.
At 18, he contributed three goals in 24 appearances, aiding their promotion efforts.
However, after facing initial challenges at the higher level, he departed mid-season to join Emirati side Shabab Al-Ahli.
He spent four seasons in the Middle East, tallying 46 goals in 92 matches before returning to Brazil and Botafogo in July 2024.
There, he excelled, leading the attack as his team secured both the Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles the previous season.
Consequently, scouting networks across numerous clubs globally were keenly observing his progress.
Igor Jesus earned his Brazil debut in October of the previous year, scoring in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory amidst challenging conditions in Chile.
South American football analyst Tim Vickery dubbed him “the modern-day Drogba” after his winning goal against reigning European champions Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup group stage during the summer.
Igor Jesus’ goal held further significance, ending a prolonged wait for many Forest supporters.
Following their Uefa Cup triumph against Auxerre in 1995, few fans likely anticipated a three-decade gap before witnessing similar scenes on European soil.
This victory strengthens their bid for a top-eight finish in the Europa League’s league phase, potentially securing automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
“I am delighted for the fans. Fantastic,” Forest manager Sean Dyche remarked.
“Very pleased with the players so far, because we are mixing and very pleased with the results.
“Long may it continue.”
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