It might not have ended in the way Nottingham Forest hoped, but 2024/25 was still quite the season for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds.
Forest are back in Europe for the first time in three decades. A drop in form in the final weeks of the campaign meant Champions League qualification eluded them, but booking a place in the Conference League is still a brilliant achievement.
Finishing seventh in the Premier League table represents quite the turnaround after successive relegation battles. Add in a run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and this term has been one to remember on the banks of the Trent.
Reds reporter Sarah Clapson has been handing out her end-of-season report cards on Nuno's men, rating the players out of 10...
Matz Sels
Without question, the best-performing goalkeeper in the Premier League over the course of the year. Had to share the Golden Glove with Arsenal’s David Raya in the end, but was one of the standout stars in the Garibaldi. Played out of his skin. Rating: 9.5/10
Carlos Miguel
A mixed bag. It felt telling that, having identified the Brazilian as his cup keeper very early on in the season, Nuno didn’t revert back to him in the latter stages of the FA Cup, despite Miguel having recovered from injury. Rating: 5/10
Ola Aina
Not only the life and soul of the dressing room but also an outstanding performer on the pitch and a key member of the back line. Dropped off a bit towards the end of the season but had been excellent for much of the campaign before that. Rating: 9/10
Neco Williams
A few wobbly moments in the final few games were noticeable, largely because the Welshman had been performing at such a high level previously. Put in top display after top display once he had won back his place in the XI and always wore his heart on his sleeve. Rating: 9/10
Alex Moreno
It all started so well for the Aston Villa loanee. Early on in the campaign, taking up the option to sign him on a permanent basis seemed like it would be sensible business. By the end of the season, though, he wasn’t even making the matchday squads. Rating: 5.5/10
Eric da Silva Moreira
Aged 19, the youngster remains a raw prospect and one for the future. Notched up five appearances in all, including two from off the bench in the Premier League during his first year Trentside. Showed some encouraging glimpses. Rating: 6/10
Harry Toffolo
Will go down in Forest folklore for his clearance off the line against Tottenham Hotspur - and for his hilarious post-match interview where he talked about downing shots of pickle juice. A model professional and a fine servant during his time at the club. Rating: 8/10
Willy Boly
Never let the Reds down when called upon. Last featured back in April, but it could be argued he would have done a job when the pressure was on in the final weeks. Remained an important presence in the dressing room throughout. Rating: 7.5/10
Nikola Milenkovic
A thoroughly deserving winner of Forest’s Player of the Season award. A difference-maker at the back as the Reds tightened up thanks to the Serbia international’s arrival. Had an impact at the top end of the pitch, too, with his five goals. Rating: 9/10
Murillo
Quality, and even better for having Milenkovic alongside him. Still room for improvement, of course, but the Brazilian remains a special talent. Deservedly got his first goals for the club; now all he needs is for one of those long-range rockets to go in. Rating: 9/10
Morato
A symbol of Forest’s solidity early on in the season when he was trusted by Nuno to come off the bench and help see games out. Didn’t fare quite so well towards the end but can still be a decent option for next term. Rating: 7/10
Zach Abbott
A young man with a very bright future. Took it all in his stride when named in the XI to face Manchester City at Wembley in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. In only his second start in the Garibaldi the defender did himself proud. Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan Yates
Mr Nottingham Forest. Always gives his all, on and off the pitch, and leads by example. It will be quite the occasion when the midfielder gets the opportunity to play in Europe for the first time. Rating: 8/10
Danilo
Did exceptionally well to recover so quickly from the horrible injury he sustained on the opening day of the campaign but never really got going once he had returned. It could be an important pre-season for the Brazilian. Rating: 6/10
Nicolas Dominguez
Not someone who necessarily grabs the headlines, but hugely important nonetheless. Versatility proved incredibly useful, with the midfielder doing a job wherever he was asked to play. Such a shame the season ended with him hobbling off on the final day. Rating: 8.5/10
Ibrahim Sangare
Season came full circle for the former PSV Eindhoven man. Started it as first-choice in the centre of the pitch and ended it having cemented his place back in the XI. Injury hindered him in between but he showed he can have a big role to play next term. Rating: 8/10
Elliot Anderson
In competition with Milenkovic for Forest’s signing of the season. No wonder Newcastle United really did not want to let him go. The Reds have clearly got themselves a gem, and he can only get better. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White
Forest’s talisman and a player with magic in his boots. When he is in full flow, he is a joy to watch. As influential off the pitch as he is on it, if he does end up going to Manchester City there will be a significant void left to fill. Rating: 9/10
Anthony Elanga
Finished the season with 11 assists and six goals to his name in the Premier League. Terrified many a defender with his pace, too. Put a slow start to the campaign behind him to play a huge role in getting the club up the table. Rating: 9/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Scorer of some of the biggest goals of the season, not least the one at Anfield when the Reds secured a statement victory over Liverpool. Followed that up a few months later by once again netting the only goal of the game to secure three points against Manchester City at the City Ground. Rating: 8.5/10
Jota Silva
Showed promise at times but it wasn’t a particularly easy first season in English football for the winger. Still managed to bag four goals in the Garibaldi, though. Rating: 7/10
Ramon Sosa
Seemed to have something about him but never really got a proper run. Nuno’s reluctance to turn to the Paraguayan when there was much at stake in the final games said a lot. Rating: 6.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi
By his own admission, a difficult season for the front man. Had various setbacks to deal with even before he suffered that horrific injury against Leicester City. Seeing him walk out on the City Ground pitch on the final day put a smile on many faces. Rating: 7/10
Chris Wood
Had his best-ever goalscoring season in the Premier League, finishing with 20 goals. Like several of his teammates, was running on empty towards the end and was finding it tough to have the same impact. What went before that, though, was sensational. Rating: 9/10
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