When Murillo first stepped onto the training field with Nottingham Forest, there was an immediate sense of promise.
It wasn’t just the £10.3million price tag that caught everyone’s attention—it was his performance.
Despite having just 27 senior appearances under his belt, it took only one session for Steve Cooper and the coaching staff to realize they had something special on their hands.
The Early Signs of Brilliance
Murillo, full of potential, wasted no time in proving himself.
His natural defensive skills, incredible speed, and the quality of his left foot stood out right away.
The young Brazilian impressed with his calmness and control on the field, both in passing and defending.
His ability to read the game was exceptional, and it was clear that Forest had signed more than just a talented player—they had secured the future of a star.
A Rock for Forest’s Defense
Fast forward to today, and Murillo is a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s defense, helping lead the team towards their goal of Champions League football.
Despite a recent dip in form for the team, losing three out of four games, Murillo was instrumental in securing a solid 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
His performance that day earned him the man of the match award, and it wasn’t the first time his leadership in defense had been crucial.
As part of the formidable defensive duo with Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo has helped Forest boast one of the Premier League’s strongest defenses.
He leads the league in blocks and ranks high in clearances, contributing to Forest’s impressive tally of clean sheets this season.
His performances have earned him recognition as one of the best young defenders in the world.
A Fast Transition to Premier League Football
What makes Murillo’s rise even more remarkable is the speed at which he adapted to the Premier League.
Many young players arriving from different leagues are eased into English football, but Murillo wasted no time.
He made his debut just a month after signing and ended his first season with Forest as the club’s player of the year.
His early success attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea, but Murillo stayed focused on his goals with Forest.
Settling Into Life at Forest
Murillo’s success isn’t just about his skills on the pitch.
Off the field, Forest has done everything possible to ensure his transition to life in England has been smooth.
With the help of Nuno Espirito Santo and a Portuguese-speaking player care team, Murillo has felt at home in Nottingham, a far cry from his early days in England when he struggled with the language barrier.
His comfort in Nottingham is evident—he and his wife Mabili even held their gender reveal party at the City Ground, a clear sign that this is now home for them.
Forest’s Growing Confidence in Their Star Defender
Murillo’s success has brought him closer to Forest’s long-term goals.
Discussions with club owner Evangelos Marinakis have inspired Murillo, who shares the vision of the club becoming a Champions League contender.
The recent signing of a new contract was a significant step forward, signaling his commitment to the club and its ambitions.
Forest’s strong bond as a “family” has been instrumental in keeping Murillo settled, with friendships among players like Carlos Miguel, Danilo, and other Portuguese-speaking teammates helping him feel connected to his new life.
The Future Looks Bright for Murillo
As Murillo continues to impress on the pitch, his focus, maturity, and family-oriented mindset only enhance his potential. His rise in the Premier League has been rapid, and there’s little doubt that he has the potential to play at the highest levels of European football. While clubs like Real Madrid will continue to monitor his progress, Murillo’s future at Forest looks promising, and he could very well be wearing their red kit when he steps out at the Bernabeu in the near future.
For now, though, Murillo remains focused on his goals with Forest. His sky-high potential, combined with his strong work ethic and commitment, make it clear that the best is yet to come for this rising star.