‘Lost my smile’ – Carlos Forbs opens up on “mentally tough” Wolves spell as the winger reflects on a turbulent period that stalled his promising career. Now shining at Club Brugge, the 21-year-old says he has rediscovered both form and joy after a year of frustration in England.
The Portuguese-born winger joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from Ajax in 2024 for a fee of around €2.5million, with an option to buy permanently. It was supposed to be a fresh start after a quiet debut season in the Netherlands. Instead, Forbs managed only 11 appearances, totalling 260 minutes and recording a single assist before being sent back to Ajax and sold to Brugge for €6m.
Forbs: “That’s when I lost my smile”
“I wasn’t playing anymore, which made it mentally tough. Much tougher than at Ajax. That’s when I lost my smile. Some of the guys in the dressing room encouraged me. They also saw that it wasn’t due to a lack of talent.” — Carlos Forbs, via Voetbal International
Forbs explained that the tactical system under Vitor Pereira, who replaced Gary O’Neil midway through the season, did not suit his style. “His system with wing-backs didn’t suit me,” he admitted, adding that repeatedly training hard without being selected took a toll on his mental health.
Wolves loan nightmare turns into Belgian revival
Forbs’ struggles in the Midlands contrast sharply with his resurgence in Belgium. Since joining Club Brugge, he’s become a key part of Nicky Hayen’s attack — scoring three goals and providing three assists in 15 games this season. The pace, freedom, and faith shown by the Brugge staff have reignited his confidence.
| Stat (2025/26) | Carlos Forbs |
|---|---|
| Club | Club Brugge |
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 1,020 |
source: Transfermarkt match data – 22 October 2025
It’s a stark turnaround for a player once doubted at Ajax and forgotten at Wolves. Forbs’ raw speed and creativity now look revitalised in a system that plays to his strengths.
Our View
In our view, Carlos Forbs’ story is a reminder of how fragile confidence can be for young players abroad. Talent alone rarely guarantees progress — environment, coaching style, and trust all play equal roles. His comments about losing joy at Wolves reflect how easily a mismatch in tactics can derail development.
Now at Club Brugge, Forbs looks free again — pressing high, attacking space, and smiling while doing it. His persistence through setbacks shows the resilience needed to rebuild a career that once looked adrift.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Forbs’ experience is more common than many think. “I think his honesty is refreshing,” he says. “Plenty of players struggle quietly when systems or managers change. The key is how you respond — and Forbs has done that brilliantly in Belgium.”
In my view, Forbs’ revival could reignite interest from top-five European leagues if he maintains consistency. At just 21, he’s learning the mental side of football that often separates potential from success.
Key Insights
- Carlos Forbs says his Wolves loan was “mentally tough” and he “lost his smile.”
- The winger made just 11 appearances before returning to Ajax.
- Wolves’ system under Vitor Pereira didn’t suit his style of play.
- Forbs now thriving at Club Brugge with three goals and three assists in 15 matches.
- The 21-year-old says setbacks have made him stronger mentally.
What’s Next
Forbs will aim to continue his strong form when Club Brugge face Genk on 27 October in the Belgian Pro League. With growing confidence and trust from his manager, the young winger could yet prove that his Wolves setback was just a detour on the road to success.
👉 Can Carlos Forbs turn his Club Brugge form into the career breakthrough Wolves never saw?
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