Cuiabano becomes key scorer at Botafogo as Nottingham Forest eye 2026 return

Nottingham Forest loanee Cuiabano has hit peak form at the perfect time, turning himself into one of Botafogo’s most decisive players — and potentially forcing Evangelos Marinakis to recall him for the 2026 Premier League season. The left-back, currently on loan in Brazil, has become a surprise goal machine under Davide Ancelotti, with domestic reports suggesting Forest are preparing to integrate him into the first-team squad next year. 

Cuiabano’s goal last weekend took him to five league goals in the Brasileirão, making him the joint-top scorer at Botafogo and one of the most prolific defenders in the entire division. O Dia highlight that he is currently the second-highest scoring defender in the league and has outscored notable teammates including Alex Telles, Savarino and Chris Ramos — all while starting the year as Telles’ deputy.

His transformation from reserve full-back to attacking talisman has become one of Botafogo’s stories of the season.

Botafogo signed Cuiabano in April 2024 for R$7m before Nottingham Forest purchased 70% of his rights for €4m (£3.4m) last summer. Forest immediately loaned him back so he could develop with regular minutes — a plan that has worked even better than expected.

Under Davide Ancelotti, Cuiabano has evolved into a modern full-back who thrives in advanced positions. His overlapping runs, final-third delivery and willingness to attack space have made him essential both structurally and creatively. Across more than 70 games, he has become one of the club’s most consistent attacking outlets.

Brazilian outlets point out that Botafogo want to keep him permanently, but the decision belongs entirely to Nottingham Forest — and will be addressed once the Brazilian league finishes.

Recent Brazilian reports indicate that Forest intend to bring Cuiabano back next year, a stance O Dia also reinforce. With Sean Dyche’s squad needing long-term clarity at left-back, Forest believe the 23-year-old could play a meaningful role in the Premier League.

Forest currently have Neco Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko as their main left-back options — though Zinchenko is on loan from Arsenal and his long-term future remains uncertain. Cuiabano’s return could provide Dyche with a younger, high-energy alternative capable of offering attacking thrust from deep, something Forest have lacked consistently this season.

The timing appears ideal: Cuiabano is confident, in form, and gaining valuable experience playing under pressure for a side competing at the top end of Brazilian football.

His attacking influence is obvious, but it’s worth questioning whether his defensive reliability — an area Dyche prioritises — has improved at the same rate. Observing his growth this season, his anticipation, recovery speed and timing in duels have all progressed, suggesting he is closer to Premier League readiness than in previous seasons.

From our experience assessing full-back transitions from South America to England, players in Cuiabano’s mould typically take time to adapt to physicality, but succeed if they possess strong spatial awareness and stamina — both of which he shows in abundance.

Forest face a pivotal choice. Keeping Cuiabano for 2026 would strengthen a key position, provide age balance and potentially save significant future spending. However, sending him on another loan — either back to Botafogo or elsewhere in Europe — could ensure he continues to play every week.

But given his current form, influence and upward trajectory, bringing him back appears increasingly likely.

Botafogo naturally hope to extend his stay, but they have little leverage. Forest hold the sporting rights, and Marinakis is expected to prioritise the Premier League squad’s long-term structure.

Cuiabano’s rise mirrors other South American defenders who took time to adjust before exploding — players such as Pervis Estupiñán and Renan Lodi, who became key contributors after loan spells abroad.

Although some may question whether his scoring form will translate to the Premier League, it’s worth remembering that full-backs who attack confidently often bridge the gap more smoothly than expected. His minutes, maturity and tactical growth make him a compelling option for Forest’s rebuild.

In our view, the combination of Zinchenko’s uncertain future and Dyche’s system evolving toward more assertive full-back play makes Cuiabano’s 2026 return the most logical next step.

Nottingham Forest will make their final decision once the Brazilian league concludes. With Europa League ambitions and a defensive rebuild underway, Cuiabano may soon find himself preparing for life at the City Ground.

👉 Should Forest bring Cuiabano back now that he’s thriving — or loan him one more time?