With two goals in as many FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ matches, Igor Jesus has been one of the undoubted stars of the tournament so far.
In the last 15 matches in which he’s found the net, Botafogo have gone unbeaten while winning 13. The most important of those goals came this Thursday against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain, in an unlikely and historic 1-0 victory at the Rose Bowl, where he was also named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.
“I am very happy with everything that happened today,” he said post match. “It is a significant day in our careers. We beat a really good team. It’s always like this at Botafogo. We never make it easy. We knew how hard it would be, but we also knew what we were capable of.”
Each time he finds the net, Igor Jesus turns his goal celebration, the Kamehameha, into an even bigger sensation among the Botafogo faithful. He places his hands together near his chest and then thrusts them forward as if unleashing a superpower, a move inspired by Goku from the Japanese series, Dragon Ball. In the U.S., he has already cast his magic spell against Seattle Sounders FC and now PSG.
“They are European champions and we are champions of the Americas. There’s not much difference,” he continued. “Two champion teams went in to win, but Botafogo made the most of its opportunity.”
At the end of the Club World Cup, he’ll be performing his celebration on pitches elsewhere. The striker has openly confirmed his completed transfer to Premier League side Nottingham Forest, but for now, there are other matters to focus on.
“Since I arrived here, they’ve always believed in my work,” he said. “I give everything for Botafogo. I will always do my best while I’m here, you can be sure of that. I want to help Botafogo in the best way possible.”
On average, the forward scores just shy of once every three games, but finding the net isn’t his only attribute. His ability to use physicality to battle for space against defenders taller than his 1.79m frame combines with a willingness to drift out wide and create space for others. His former team-mate Luiz Henrique was one of many players to benefit from his selflessness.
“I made a great friend in Igor, we had a really strong connection on and off the pitch,” he told FIFA in an interview prior to that PSG clash. “He’s smart, strong, and a natural finisher. He’ll be very important for Botafogo in the tournament. People out there will get to see what we already know.”
When he was asked who he would pick to be Botafogo’s hero this tournament, one name came to mind. “It’s hard to choose just one. They all deserve it – they work so hard and give everything for the club. But if I had to pick one, I’d go with Igor [Jesus]. He’s an amazing guy and an extraordinary player.”
