John Victor
NFO
Brazil
Right
Feb 13, 1996
30
6'6"
201 lb
GK
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ForestExpected to miss rest of season
John (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the 2025/26 season, manager Sean Dyche told media Wednesday. "John Victor is injured unfortunately and has had a minor operation on his knee, so he'll be out for a little bit. We're not sure on the timescale yet... He's going to be out for a while. It's an unfortunate one."
Analysis: John suffered a knee injury in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Jan. 3 right when he was on a run of six straight starts in the Premier League. If the Brazilian ends up missing the rest of the campaign, that means George Shelvey and Angus Gunn would operate as Matz Sels' backups, though Sels would get all the starts in both the EPL and Europa League if he stays healthy. John made eight starts between the Premier League and Europa League, allowing nine goals, making 11 saves and posting three clean sheets.
Undergoes surgery
John underwent surgery on his knee and there's no clear timetable for his return, manager Sean Dyche told media Thursday. "John is injured unfortunately and has had a minor operation on his knee, so he'll be out for a little bit. We're not sure on the timescale yet."
Analysis: John saw time as a regular between the posts for Nottingham Forest until the injury, and now the Brazilian is forced to a spell on the sidelines. This means Matt Sels will continue to operate as Forest's No. 1 goalkeeper for the time being.
Will get more in-depth scan
John (leg) will have more in-depth scan in the coming days, coach Sean Dyche said in a press conference, according to Jak Netting from Vavel. "He's got some blood drying from his knee but it's not settled as quickly as hoped, so he's having a more in-depth scan, just to check there's nothing untoward happening. He won't be involved on Friday."
Analysis: John still has some blood drying from his knee and can't recover as quickly as expected and that will force him to undergo more in-depth scan just to check if there isn't a more important issue with his injury. The goalie will miss the Cup game and will hope to recover for the next Premier League clash against Arsenal next week. If he can't be deemed fit enough for the game, Matz Sels will replace him between the posts again.
Remains out
John (leg) is out for Tuesday's match against West Ham.
Analysis: John is not an option after he picked up an injury over the weekend, as the goalie will instead out a match due to a leg injury. This is something to monitor for the goalie after he was earning the starting role, as Matz Sels will likely continue to start. John will hope he has a chance to reclaim the starting role, although that will depend on how long he is out.
Subbed off
John was injured and subbed out in the 78th minute of Saturday's clash against Aston Villa with a suspected leg injury.
Analysis: John was seen holding his leg after being forced off the game Saturday against Aston Villa, in which he conceded three goals. He was replaced by Matz Sels, the team's regular goalkeeper who has been out with an injury. Sels will likely take over again if John is expected to miss time with this injury.
Allows two goals in loss
John recorded one save and allowed two goals in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat versus Everton.
Analysis: After beginning his run with a clean sheet on debut, John has now allowed five goals over his last three league starts, making five saves and conceding two goals in each of his past two matches. He made his fourth straight league start in this match, though his hold on the role remains uncertain with last season's Golden Glove winner, Matz Sels, available again after returning to the bench in the past three games. John is next in line to face Aston Villa on Saturday if he retains his starting role.
Allows two against City
John recorded three saves and allowed two goals in Saturday's 2-1 loss against Manchester City.
Analysis: John was in for a tough game Saturday and did well to stop three shots, but still allowed two goals in the loss. This comes in his fourth straight start, with one clean sheet during that span. With Matt Sels returning to the bench a few games ago, it appears that it is only a matter of time before he returns to a backup role.
Concedes once in loss
John registered no saves and allowed one goal in Monday's 1-0 defeat to Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 49th minute.
Analysis: John conceded one goal Monday, a Raul Jimenez penalty just before the halftime break, a penalty that was a result of a John foul that earned him a yellow card. The Forest defense played very well, not allowing a single shot on target in open play. Next up for John is a very difficult matchup Saturday versus Manchester City, a side which has scored a league-high 41 goals through 17 matches this season.
Keeps clean sheet Sunday
John had one save and allowed zero goals in Sunday's 3-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: With Matz Sels (groin) out, John made his first career Premier League start versus Spurs. Thanks to his defense he was not asked to do much, only facing one shot on target on his way to the clean sheet. Since Sels' injury does not appear to be serious John is set to return to backup duties soon, making the occasional start in other competitions.
Makes Forest debut
John got the start during Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Swansea in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: John made his Forest debut in the Carabao Cup, playing the full 90 in the elimination. The goalkeeper showed some decent saves, but was beaten late in second half stoppage time. It's a disappointing elimination, because he was going to get most of his minutes through the Carabao Cup. Matz Sels remains the starter for the foreseeable future.
Signs with Nottingham Forest
Victor has signed a contract with Nottingham Forest until 2028, joining on a permanent move from Botafogo, his new club announced. "John has caught the attention of many clubs after some impressive seasons in Brazil, so we're pleased he has chosen Forest as his next step. Matz had a standout season last year, and we also have Angus and young Aaron in the group, meaning John joins a strong cohort of keepers that will push each other and will help each other improve. He arrives here hungry to make an impact, and we're excited to welcome him," said Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson.
Analysis: Vitor played 39 times in 2024/25 and impressed at the Club World Cup where Botafogo reached the last-16. In 2023/24, he lifted the league and Copa Libertadores double while also gaining European experience on loan at Real Valladolid. Vitor now returns to Europe for his first taste of the Premier League and will likely hold a backup role behind Matz Sels.
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