Nottingham Forest signed Cuiabano with a clear long-term idea, but the left-back is now building his reputation far away from the City Ground – and without ever playing a single senior minute for the club.
The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Vasco da Gama, where his form has taken a sharp turn in recent weeks. Brazilian reports now frame him as one of the most decisive players in the team, with growing noise around a permanent move and even early national team monitoring.
That rise only adds weight to a strange situation for Nottingham Forest, who still have no first-team reference point for a player they invested in.
From arrival to zero minutes at Forest
Cuiabano joined Nottingham Forest in September 2025. However, he never managed to break into the senior squad.
Instead, he returned to Botafogo on loan shortly after the deal. That move allowed him to keep playing in familiar surroundings, but it also delayed any real integration in England.
When he went back to Forest in January, there was some expectation of a fresh start. That never happened. Reports from Brazil pointed to physical issues and a lack of match rhythm, which limited his chances again.
As a result, Nottingham Forest made a second decision. They sent him out on loan once more, this time to Vasco da Gama, with a structure that includes a €10m (£8.6m) purchase option.
At that point, Cuiabano’s Forest career still had no minutes attached to it.
Flying at Vasco – and attracting attention
Things have changed quickly in Rio de Janeiro.
Cuiabano has now recorded five direct goal contributions in his last four matches. He has one goal and four assists in that run. Notably, he provided both assists in Vasco’s recent 2-1 win over Grêmio.
There is also a strong narrative around his performances against his former club. He now has three goals and two assists in four games against Grêmio, reinforcing his impact in big matches.
In addition, his attacking output has been consistent. The Nottingham Forest owned player scored against Palmeiras, assisted against Cruzeiro, created another against Fluminense, and then delivered twice against Grêmio.
According to Brazilian reports, members of Brazil’s national team staff have already watched his recent games. The focus is not the upcoming World Cup, but rather the next cycle. After all, Cuiabano is still 23 and keeps producing decisive actions week after week.
One Vasco-focused account summed up the mood clearly: “He is absurd! Vasco already need to start planning a permanent deal for him. In a position that is extremely lacking, he looks well above average.”
What this means for Nottingham Forest
From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, the situation is becoming harder to ignore. The club structured the Vasco deal with a purchase option worth around €10m (£8.6m), protecting their position if his value increased. That scenario now looks increasingly realistic.
At the same time, Forest still have not tested him in their own system. Every performance in Brazil raises the same question: whether they moved too early to loan him out again.
There is also a timing factor. Cuiabano is building rhythm, confidence and visibility. If that continues, Vasco will likely push to make the move permanent.
So if his current level holds, Forest will soon face a clear choice. Either bring him back and finally assess him internally, or accept a permanent exit after never using him.
For now, the reality is simple. A Nottingham Forest player is thriving, attracting national team attention, and increasing his market value – all without ever playing for the club.
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