Former Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has been appointed by Nottingham Forest to a newly created role as the club’s global head of football.
In his new position, the 47-year-old Brazilian will be responsible for overseeing all football-related operations, including recruitment, performance, squad strategy, and player development.
“This project connects deeply with my values around innovation and long-term planning,” Edu said. “I’m truly excited about this new chapter and honoured by the trust placed in me. I look forward to building a global football model that is competitive, sustainable, and aligned with our president’s ambition.”
Edu enjoyed a successful playing career, including a four-year spell at Arsenal between 2001 and 2005, during which he won two Premier League titles. He returned to the club in 2019 as technical director and was later promoted to sporting director in November 2022, a role he held until his resignation in late 2024.
At Arsenal, Edu played a key role in the recruitment of manager Mikel Arteta, helping usher in a new era for the Gunners. Although major silverware remained elusive during his tenure, he was widely credited with laying the foundation for the club’s return to Premier League title contention.
Before his time at Arsenal’s executive level, Edu served as director of football at Brazilian side Corinthians and later worked as general coordinator for Brazil’s national team from 2016 to 2019.
His appointment at Forest signals an ambitious step by club owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is also involved with Olympiakos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal. Marinakis previously confirmed he had held talks to acquire Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, suggesting that Edu’s global role may span multiple clubs in his football portfolio.
