Matz Sels has become a fan favourite since joining Nottingham Forest. Here is everything you need to know about the City Ground shotstopper.
Nottingham Forest were in desperate need of a reliable goalkeeper in January 2024, and luckily for them, they would land the jackpot with Sels.
The Belgian has become a mainstay for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side following his move from Strasbourg, with Sels being heavily praised for his performances in between the sticks.
So with that in mind, Nottingham Forest News thought it was worth taking a closer look at the life of the Forest goalkeeper.
Matz Sels age
Matz Willy Els Sels is currently 33 years old at the time of writing. His date of birth is February 26, 1992.
What nationality is Matz Sels?
Matz Sels’ nationality is Belgian. He was born in the region of Lint, a province of Antwerp.
The goalkeeper has represented Belgium at both youth and senior level, mainly featuring as a back-up to first-choice stopper Thibaut Courtois.
Matz Sels height
Sels stands at approximately 6ft 2 inches tall (1.88m), which makes him an opposing figure when defending his box.
Matz Sels wife and family
The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper is married to Joy Hoefman, and the pair have two children together.
When speaking on his City Ground move, Sels spoke on the transition his family had to make after playing in France for five years.
“My transfer was on the deadline day and you need to turn over your whole life,” via BBC Sport.
“We were in France for five-and-a-half years – my eldest child was in the nursery and starting to speak some French. Now my eldest’s English is better than mine!
“If the family doesn’t feel well, at one certain moment it’s going to turn because the family will want to move back to Belgium or somewhere else.
“It’s an important thing that the family are feeling well so you can play well on the pitch.”
Matz Sels career stats
Sels began his footballing career with local Belgian side Kontich, before moving to Lierse at age seven.
The goalkeeper would work his way up the ranks, eventually becoming the club’s number one. Sels’ eye-catching performances in Antwerp would eventually attract the interest of Belgian giants Gent, who signed the shotstopper in 2014.
He would spend two more years in the Belgian Pro League before transferring to English shores with Newcastle United, who had recently been relegated to the Championship.
The Belgian’s time at Tyneside, however, wouldn’t go to plan and he would only make 14 appearances for the Magpies over two seasons – eventually leaving in 2018 in a move to Strasbourg.
Sels would end up playing the best football of his career in France, spending six successful years at the club.
After impressing in eastern France, the goalkeeper would hop across the channel in January 2024 in a move to Nottingham Forest.
| Club | Apps | Clean sheets | |
| 2010–2014 | Lierse | 31 | (5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2016 | Gent | 116 | (38) |
| 2016–2018 | Newcastle United | 14 | (5) |
| 2017–2018 | → Anderlecht (loan) | 37 | (9) |
| 2018–2024 | Strasbourg | 175 | (42) |
| 2024– | Nottingham Forest | 53 | (16) |
Matz Sels contract/salary
According to Capology, Matz Sels reportedly earns £35,000 p/w, which makes him the joint 13th highest earner at Nottingham Forest.
His City Ground deal is set to expire on June 30th, 2027.
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