Nottingham Forest defender Murillo has addressed the criticism he received after Brazil’s recent defeat to Argentina, insisting that one match should not define a player’s reputation.
The 23-year-old centre-back made the comments in an interview highlighted by journalist Fred Caldeira, while also defending the difficulty of playing every week in the Premier League.
Murillo, who represents Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, admitted the performance against Argentina was poor. However, he believes the reaction ignored the realities of elite football.
What Nottingham Forest player said
“First I want to thank you personally,” he said in a gentle gesture, speaking about Caldeira’s coverage. “You are one of the journalists who always defends me because you follow the Premier League. People who watch the Premier League know how difficult it is.”
The Brazilian stressed that the level of competition in England is often underestimated in national team debates.
“Every match is a new story, a new challenge. Playing in the Premier League is for those who can really do it.”
Murillo joined Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in 2023 for €6m (£5.1m), with a further €1m (£850k) possible in bonuses. Since arriving in England, he has adapted quickly and become a regular presence in Forest’s defence.
This season he has made 30 appearances in all competitions, including 21 in the Premier League. He has also scored three goals and played more than 2200 minutes during the campaign.
Selection debate and the Argentina backlash
Murillo also reflected on the criticism that followed Brazil’s defeat to Argentina, in which he committed an error that led to a goal. While he accepted the performance was below his usual standard, he believes the reaction was excessive.
“Of course the Argentina game was a very bad game,” he admitted. “We know the importance of a Brazil-Argentina classic.”
Still, he argued that footballers cannot be judged on isolated matches.
“People also have to understand that we will not always play well. Just because I had one bad game does not mean I am a bad player.”
Murillo explained that consistency over time is what truly defines a player’s level.
“It is not because I have one good game that I am the best centre-back in the world either. You need a sequence of games to build consolidation.”
Despite the noise around the national team, the defender remains calm about his international future. Already called up by Brazil previously, he believes continued performances in England will naturally bring more opportunities.
“I am very calm about that. I talk a lot with my family and my agent. I know I am still young,” he said. “If I keep doing a good job here at Nottingham, I know opportunities will come.”
He also admitted he would welcome another chance before the next World Cup.
“I would be very happy if my name appeared in the squad before the World Cup because I could show Ancelotti my potential up close.”
Our take: Murillo’s rise at Nottingham Forest
Murillo’s comments also reflect the trajectory he is building at Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian adapted quickly to the Premier League and seized the opportunity when he broke into the starting lineup.
Since then, he has become one of the most important players in Forest’s defence during a tough season. His performances have already started attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs – Milan and Bayern are keeping close tabs, and Tottenham is interested as well. That growing interest is hardly surprising given the level he has shown in England.
If Murillo continues playing the way he has this season, the Nottingham Forest defender looks increasingly likely to remain firmly in Brazil’s World Cup conversation.
Contract situation, transfer and agent
Murillo has a Nottingham Forest contract lasting until 2029, having earned a new deal in 2025. Transfermarkt value him at €55m, although he’d probably cost more.
Relegation to the Championship would mean a certain exit for the Brazilian. Whether Evangelos Marinakis would sanction a transfer should Forest remain in the Premier League is questionable.
The defender is represented by FWD Team and is by far the agency’s most valuable client.
