Danilo is finding success after Nottingham Forest and is back in form at Botafogo, after a year marked by injuries both in England and Brazil.
Signed in July 2025, the 24-year-old midfielder has made 11 appearances for the Rio de Janeiro side so far. Earlier this year, he spent over a month out with a thigh injury sustained against Mirassol. In 2024, while still at Nottingham Forest, a serious ankle fracture kept him sidelined for six months.
Speaking to [**Globo Esporte**](https://ge.globo.com/google/amp/futebol/times/botafogo/noticia/2025/11/09/danilo-evita-definir-funcao-no-meio-campo-do-botafogo-e-mira-sequencia-confio-muito-em-mim.ghtml), Danilo reflected on the challenges of his recovery and the importance of consistency: _“I had a serious injury last season, in England. I couldn’t get a run of games, but now I’m managing to play more regularly, which will help me in the future. Injuries will happen whether you take care of yourself or not. Of course, taking care of yourself helps, but sometimes they just come unexpectedly. Thankfully, I’m back now.”_
Botafogo paid £18.5m (€22m) to Nottingham Forest Danilo, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. Yet, the midfielder insists he’s not burdened by the price tag. _“I trust myself. The amount paid reflects what I’ve shown since my early days in Brazil and Europe. As long as I keep doing my work on the pitch, that won’t affect me,”_ he said.
In the final stretch of the Brazilian league, Danilo has stood out as one of the best midfielders in the country. Both fans and the local press have praised his performances, often calling him the best box-to-box player in Brazil at the moment.
Botafogo reportedly plan to build their 2026 squad around him, seeing the arrival from Nottingham Forest as a key pillar for the next campaign.