Nottingham Forest will get Cuiabano back in January, but the left-back has made sure to leave the door wide open for another chapter at Botafogo.
After his farewell appearance against Fortaleza, the defender took to social media to reflect on his season and sent a clear message to supporters in Rio: “this story doesn’t end here”.
Globo Esporte report that Cuiabano reposted moments from his 2025 campaign and thanked Botafogo fans for their support, describing the year as one of “fight” and “love for the shirt”. The tone matched what he had already said in person. A goodbye surely, but not a definitive one.
From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, the situation remains straightforward on paper. The Premier League club signed Cuiabano at the end of the August window and loaned him back just days later, with the agreement that he would return to England in early January.
That is still the official plan. He is expected to report for pre-season and be assessed by the new coaching staff before any further decision is taken.
Botafogo, however, have not abandoned hope. As reported in recent days, the Brazilian club want to explore the possibility of a new loan and believe the strong relationship between John Textor and Evangelos Marinakis could yet play a role.
Much will depend on Forest’s squad needs and how they view Cuiabano’s readiness for Premier League football after a productive year in Brazil.
For now, the full-back’s message feels carefully chosen. He accepts the return to Nottingham Forest, but avoids closing the door on another spell in Rio.
