Nottingham Forest set the stage for a defensive revolution with the arrival of Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos.
The Brazilian star now anchors the club’s quest for Champions League glory. Forest trust his talent to secure their back line.
Forest acquired Murillo for £10.3 million from Corinthians when he had just 27 senior appearances. His first training session stunned the coaching staff. They exchanged wide-eyed glances as his skills lit up the pitch.
Murillo anchors Forest’s back line and ranks among the best young defenders worldwide. He leads the Premier League with 56 blocks and ranks second with 165 clearances. Alongside Nikola Milenkovic, he forms one of the league’s strongest central defensive duos. He remains under 23 until July. He debuted one month after signing, playing 36 matches and earning the player of the year award. He also commanded a 0-0 draw with Arsenal to win man of the match.
The Brazilian defender dazzles with his pace and precision. His quality left foot delivers accurate passes. He controls his movements with natural ease and relentless determination. Every match showcases his defensive prowess.
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Steve Cooper and Nuno Espirito Santo transformed Nottingham Forest with a clear vision. Their guidance accelerated Murillo’s rapid growth. The club backs its talent with a dedicated player care team and Portuguese-speaking support, ensuring a smooth transition to Premier League football.
Murillo now feels at home in Nottingham. He and his wife, Mabili Coladello, celebrated a gender reveal at the City Ground. The couple, who married last summer, now expect a baby girl. His deep faith and family devotion fuel his on-field intensity.
He has forged strong bonds with his teammates and mentors. He teams up with backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel and Brazilian Danilo. Mentor Felipe and fellow Portuguese-speaking players like Morato and Jota Silva offer constant support. His network also includes South American stars Ramon Sosa and Nicolas Dominguez, boosting his confidence every match.
Nottingham Forest remains determined to keep Murillo from Real Madrid. Owner Evangelos Marinakis envisions Forest as a future Champions League contender. Murillo recently signed a new four-year contract, underlining his commitment. His bright future promises further success for Forest on the European stage.
