Morgan Gibbs-White Receives Guard of Honour as Nottingham Forest Star Prepares for Emotional Departure
May 26, 2025 — Nottingham, England
In a touching and emotional tribute at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White received a guard of honour from his teammates, coaching staff, and fans as he prepares to depart the club after three unforgettable seasons. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been the heartbeat of Forest’s recent resurgence in the Premier League, is reportedly set for a high-profile move this summer, with multiple top clubs vying for his signature.
As Gibbs-White walked through a corridor formed by applauding teammates before Forest’s final home game of the season, the emotions were clear—tears welled in his eyes, fans rose in ovation, and chants of “There’s only one Morgan Gibbs-White!” echoed around the stadium. It was a powerful moment that summed up just how deeply the former Wolves academy graduate has connected with the club and its supporters.
A Modern Club Icon
Since arriving at Nottingham Forest from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2022 for a then-club-record fee of around £42.5 million, Gibbs-White has been a transformative presence. Known for his creativity, flair, and tireless work ethic, he quickly became a fan favourite and was pivotal in helping Forest survive their first season back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence.
Over the next two campaigns, Gibbs-White only grew in influence—contributing crucial goals, assists, and performances that often defied Forest’s modest status among Premier League giants. He has amassed over 110 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals and assisting 27 more across all competitions. But beyond the statistics, it was his leadership, charisma, and passion that made him a symbolic figure in Forest’s modern revival.
The Guard of Honour
Ahead of Forest’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth in their season finale, the club organized a tribute that caught many fans by surprise. As the players lined up outside the tunnel and the announcer confirmed Gibbs-White’s imminent departure, a hush fell over the crowd before giving way to thunderous applause.
Captain Ryan Yates was among the first to embrace Gibbs-White as he walked through the guard of honour. The two shared a hug that spoke volumes about their bond, forged in battles against relegation, cup runs, and moments of joy.
“It’s been an honour to play alongside Morgan,” Yates later said. “He’s not just a top player, he’s a top human being. He gave everything to this badge, and we’ll all miss him.”
Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who also managed Gibbs-White during his early years at Wolves, praised the midfielder’s development and influence.
“Morgan matured into a complete footballer here,” Nuno said in his post-match press conference. “He became a leader, a match-winner, and a true ambassador for Nottingham Forest. His next club will be lucky to have him.”
Fan Reactions and Legacy
In the stands, Forest supporters paid their own tribute. Many held signs reading “Thank You, MGW” while others wore shirts with his name and number. A large banner in the Trent End displayed the words “Forever One of Our Own,” even though Gibbs-White is not an academy product of the club—a testament to how deeply he embedded himself into the club’s identity.
Social media lit up with tributes from Forest fans, with hashtags like #ThankYouMGW and #ForestLegend trending across platforms.
One supporter posted, “He gave us pride. He gave us fight. We’ll never forget what he did in that red shirt.” Another wrote, “Gibbs-White leaving hurts more than I thought. He’s been the soul of this team.”
A New Chapter Beckons
Though the club has yet to confirm his destination, strong links have emerged with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and even a possible return to Wolverhampton Wanderers—though the latter seems unlikely given the scale of interest from Champions League clubs. Forest are reportedly asking for a fee in the region of £60–70 million, reflecting the value he has built in just three years.
For Gibbs-White, the move represents a chance to compete for major trophies and possibly secure a regular place in the England national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Though he has featured in England squads sporadically, he has yet to fully break into Gareth Southgate’s starting XI—a goal he’s said to be targeting.
“It’s time for a new challenge,” Gibbs-White told club media in a heartfelt farewell interview. “But Nottingham Forest will always be in my heart. This club gave me the platform to grow, to lead, and to love football again. I’ll always be a Red.”
Looking Ahead for Forest
While fans are understandably heartbroken, the club is determined to build on Gibbs-White’s legacy. Technical Director Ross Wilson hinted at incoming signings and a long-term plan to strengthen the squad, using the funds from the transfer to reinvest in key areas.
“We’re incredibly proud of Morgan and what he’s achieved here,” Wilson said. “His success is a credit to the environment we’ve built. We’ll continue to grow, and his story is a big part of what’s next.”
Forest’s owners have also pledged to continue backing the club’s upward trajectory, and supporters remain hopeful that while this marks the end of one era, another is just beginning.
A Fond Farewell
As the final whistle blew at the City Ground, Gibbs-White took a solo lap of appreciation. He clapped toward every corner of the stadium, pausing often to bow, wave, and blow kisses to the crowd that embraced him as one of their own. Fans stayed behind long after the final whistle, chanting his name until he disappeared down the tunnel one last time.
For Nottingham Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White was more than just a player—he was a symbol of revival, resilience, and belief. And though his time in red may be over, his legacy will echo for generations to come.
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