Murillo Santiago Costa Dos Santos

Murillo began his footballing journey at the São Caetano and União Barbarense youth systems before joining the Corinthians academy in 2019, where he spent four years developing his defensive skills.

Murillo began his professional career at Corinthians in 2023, where he quickly became an undisputed starter and a fan favorite. His dominant displays in the heart of the defense led to a high-profile transfer to Nottingham Forest in August 2023 for a fee of approximately £11 million. In the Premier League, he made an immediate impact, being named Nottingham Forest's Player of the Season in his debut 2023-24 campaign for his consistency and leadership.

During the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, Murillo's status as an elite defender was cemented. He played a central role in Nottingham Forest securing their position in the top half of the table, recording numerous clean sheets and even contributing spectacular long-range efforts from the back. In May 2026, his market value has skyrocketed to over £60 million, with major interest reported from clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City for the upcoming summer transfer window. He remains under contract with Forest until 2028.

On the international stage, Murillo earned his first senior call-ups for Brazil in late 2024 and early 2025. He has since become a regular member of the national team squad during the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, providing manager Carlo Ancelotti with a physically imposing and technical option for the defense. His ability to pass out from the back is highly valued in the national team's tactical setups. He is currently a confirmed member of the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

By May 2026, he has surpassed 100 professional appearances across Brazil and England and is recognized as one of the best young center-backs in global football. His tactical growth under Nuno Espírito Santo has been instrumental in his development. He continues to focus on improving his aerial dominance and maintaining his high levels of concentration. His career trajectory highlights the successful export of Brazilian defensive talent to the world's most competitive league.

Murillo was raised in a hardworking family in São Paulo and is known for his professional, focused, and modest personality. He maintains a very close relationship with his parents and frequently credits them for the discipline that helped him succeed in Europe. He managed the challenges of moving to a new country and learning a new language with significant maturity and composure. He currently resides in Nottingham and has fully embraced life in the East Midlands.

Off the pitch, Murillo is an avid fan of traditional Brazilian music and remains a passionate supporter of Corinthians. He enjoys spending his downtime with a close circle of friends and family, often returning to São Paulo during the off-season to visit his childhood neighborhood. He is a brand ambassador for several sports and lifestyle companies, reflecting his status as a rising star in the Premier League. He is fluent in Portuguese and has achieved a high level of proficiency in English.

His humble attitude and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the Nottingham Forest dressing room. He is involved in several charitable initiatives back in São Paulo, focusing on providing sporting equipment and support for local youth sports programs. His commitment to his family and his professional growth remains the central pillar of his personal narrative. He remains entirely focused on achieving further success with both club and country as he enters the next phase of his career.