As football season commences, we meet Nottingham Forest’s star players
Photography FELIX COOPER
Styling STUART WILLIAMSON
Ahead of the World Cup, four of Nottingham Forest’s star players meet Erica Rana at the team’s City Ground stadium to talk sport, sacrifice and singular ambition.
Elliott wears leather jacket, STONE ISLAND. Nylon jacket (worn underneath), BURBERRY
ELLIOT ANDERSON
From being Newcastle’s rising sporting star to securing a spot on his country’s national team, Elliot Anderson is Nottingham Forest’s golden boy. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps – Geoff Allen was Newcastle United’s left winger during the 1960s – Anderson found himself at the club at the age of eight. He soared through its ranks, signing multiple contracts there, before making the move to Nottingham Forest in 2024. Clearly, he left his mark, as the midfielder was asked to represent his country on the global stage last year before confirming his spot in this year’s England World Cup squad. In his downtime, you can catch him perfecting his golf swing alongside some of his teammates, or challenging them to a game of Call of Duty.
How have you found the shoot so far?
It’s been all right. It’s just some wacky gear, isn’t it?
What clothes do you prefer to wear?
Quite clean outfits and nothing too loud.
What’s your earliest memory of football?
Playing football with my brothers and my dad. I’ve got two older brothers. We played football around the house, and I trained with them from an early age.
Is there a moment you remember thinking, “I’m pretty good at this”?
It got to a point where it was me against my two older brothers when we’d play. I think at that point I realized I was pretty good.
What do your brothers think about your career?
They love football. It’s probably their dream to be footballers, so it’s extra special to do it and let them watch.
You’re also playing for your country now. How does it feel to represent England on a world stage?
It’s incredible. Putting the shirt on for your country is a really special moment. It’s what you work for. All of the work I do, every day, goes towards that.
Huge congratulations. How are you feeling about the World Cup?
Hopefully I’ll help us get a major trophy back, and I can’t wait.
Off the pitch, what are you personally doing to make sure you’re the best player possible?
I focus on my recovery so I can play as many games as I can. Your diet has to be very good because everyone’s so athletic. I make sure that I’m happy off the pitch, so that when I play, I’m in the best place to perform.
Callum wears leather shirt, shorts, shoes and bag, all BOTTEGA VENETA. Cotton socks, PANTHERELLA. Silver ring, CASTRO SMITH
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI
For Callum Hudson-Odoi, football is all he’s ever known. The 25-year-old winger was recruited to Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight and featured in their U18 Premier League team that snapped up a 2017 league victory. His career was no doubt influenced by his family, with his father playing for Ghana’s Accra Hearts of Oak, and his brother also involved in the sport. “Everything in my family centered around football,” he confirms. The Londoner headed to the Midlands in 2023. There, he’s contributed 16 Premier League goals to Nottingham Forest’s record.
If you weren’t pursuing football, what career could you see yourself in?
I would definitely be pursuing music if I wasn’t able to do football, or maybe I’d be an actor.
Looking back on your career, what’s been your “I’ve made it” moment?
I think it was after my first game with Chelsea and the manager said, “You’re with the first team now.” I was training with them from a young age, but it really clicked when they told me I would be involved with the first team.
How did you find switching between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest?
It was weird because I hadn’t been anywhere else — it was always Chelsea since I was a kid. When I had the chance to come here, it was the right time. It was a different area of life, a different place; Nottingham is completely different to London. London is a headache and something is always going on. Nottingham is peaceful. A stress-free life means you can go on the pitch, be yourself and enjoy it.
Murillo wears silk-mix blazer, and silk shirt and tie, all DOLCE & GABBANA. Wool pants and leather belt, both MFPEN. Leather shoes, YMC x GRENSON. Cotton socks, PANTHERELLA. Silver rings, both CASTRO SMITH
MURILLO
Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos is living out his wildest dream. Born and raised in Brazil, he went from idolizing legends such as Thiago Silva to playing against them — and winning. He ventured over to England in the summer of 2023, joining Nottingham Forest as their center back. There, the 23-year-old has established himself as a confident defender, and has even had the call-up to represent his country on the pitch. Murillo is a family man first and foremost, and loves nothing more than when his young daughter is pitch-side.
Were there any football players you idolized growing up?
I grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, who are two great players. I think in my position, the player who stands out is Thiago Silva. I’ve been able to play against him. He’s at FC Porto now, so I’m going to play against him again, and that’s always a pleasure.
Will you be watching Brazil in the World Cup?
Yes, I love the national team because it represents all of us Brazilians, not just the players. We’ve got a good coach now, Carlo Ancelotti, who’s bringing new ideas.
A career in football doesn’t last forever. What’s next for you?
First and foremost, I’d take a couple of years away from everything. I’d like to spend real quality time with my family. After that, it would be something away from football. I’d certainly like to explore the world of fashion and take a course in it, because it really interests me.
Morgan wears wool coat, GUCCI. Wool sweater, stylist’s own. Felt hat, BENNY ANDALLO. Silver bracelet and ring, both BUNNEY
MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE
At the age of just 16, Stafford native Morgan Gibbs-White made his senior debut for the Wolverhampton Wanderers. He quickly caught the attention of his country’s team, appearing in England’s youth teams before making his senior debut in the 2024 UEFA Nations League. Since joining Nottingham Forest in August 2022, Gibbs-White has contributed 30 goals to the club, proving himself to be integral to their Premier League status. When it comes to the best-dressed on the team, Gibbs-White has the majority vote from his teammates. When he’s not donning his club colors, you can catch him wearing Studio Nicholson, The Frankie Shop, or in his “safety option” of a knit.
What is your earliest football memory?
When I went to buy my first pair of football boots with my dad. He found out that I was going to play for a team on a Saturday. I didn’t have any boots. So, we went and bought these Umbro classics in white and gold from a shop called JJB Sports. They were an ugly pair of boots, but they did the job. That’s my first memory of football, and it’s nice that it’s with my dad because he really pushed me when I was a kid.
Was he integral in getting you to where you are today?
Yes, definitely. I think both of my parents were, especially because of the amount of traveling they did to take us to train and follow us to our games. I really appreciated it. I didn’t realize how difficult it was at the time. I would definitely say they were my two biggest role models when I was a kid. They gave me everything.
What’s been the most pivotal moment in your career so far?
A year and a half ago, when I made my first team England debut. That was a surreal moment. It was out in Ireland and all of my family came, including my missus and my kid. That was a moment where I felt like I’d really achieved something big. Having family there was a special thing.
Photography Felix Cooper at MMXX Artists
Styling Stuart Williamson at Bryant Artists
Grooming Michael Harding
Production Rachel Piper-Ambridge at The Production Factory
Photo assistants Antonio Perrone, Joe Smith
Styling assistants Helly Pringle, Katherine Lo
Production assistants Ericka Prince, Greg Asplin, Kyra Clarke, Oran Eggerton
Retouching Giles Watson, Imagine Studio
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