Nottingham Forest capped a historic 2024/25 Premier League season by finishing seventh — their highest position in the modern era — and securing a spot in European competition for the first time in over two decades.
While a late-season dip dashed hopes of a Champions League place, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will embark on their maiden UEFA Conference League campaign next season.
The Reds ended the league campaign with 65 points from 38 matches (19 wins, 8 draws, 11 losses), doubling their points tally from the previous season — a Premier League-era first. Despite missing out on the top five after a final-day defeat to Chelsea, Forest’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
Key players led the way with standout individual performances, many of which topped league-wide metrics. Central defender Murillo, in particular, was a standout. The 22-year-old Brazilian led the entire Premier League in clearances with 249 — 23 more than his nearest rival, Brentford’s Nathan Collins. He also ranked number one in successful take-ons for a defender, completing 73% of his dribbles.
In goal, Matz Sels shared the Golden Glove award after a stellar debut season, having arrived from Strasbourg for just £4 million. The Belgian’s consistency helped solidify Forest’s backline throughout the campaign.
Nikola Milenkovic, another defensive pillar, finished in the top four for aerial duel success with a 72.1% win rate. His aerial dominance was vital, particularly during tight matches where defensive solidity proved decisive.
Midfield addition Elliot Anderson also impressed after his £35 million switch from Newcastle. He ranked third in the Premier League for ball recoveries (207), trailing only Moises Caicedo and Bruno Fernandes.
Up front, veteran striker Chris Wood rolled back the years with a 20-goal season, underpinned by an expected goals (xG) tally of 13.4 — the eighth-highest in the league — signaling a highly efficient campaign.
With multiple players leading or ranking near the top in key Premier League statistics, Forest’s transformation into a competitive top-flight side is evident. Now, with European football on the horizon, the club and its fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter.
