Matz Sels breaking barriers as Nottingham Forest’s Golden Glove hope

Matz Sels has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent and influential goalkeepers this season, as Nottingham Forest chase an unexpected Champions League spot and a place in FA Cup history.

Since arriving from Strasbourg in January 2024 for just £5 million, the 33-year-old Belgian international has been a revelation. After years of uncertainty in Forest’s goalkeeping department, Sels has delivered both composure and world-class performances.

A Golden Glove in Sight
Sels currently leads the race for the Premier League Golden Glove, having kept 13 clean sheets in 32 league appearances — two more than Arsenal’s David Raya. If successful, he would become the first goalkeeper outside the traditional “big six” to win the award since its inception in 2004/05.
His 38 goals conceded is also among the lowest in the division, helping anchor Forest’s top-five push.

A Tactical Asset, Not Just a Shot-Stopper
Sels isn’t just keeping the ball out of the net — he’s also actively building play. He has completed 766 passes, the sixth-most of any Forest player, and ranks among the top for long passes completed (230). His distribution has been key in launching Nuno Espírito Santo’s fast-transition counter-attacks.

Penalty King in the Cup
In the FA Cup, Sels has proven equally critical. He was the shootout hero in both the fifth-round clash with Ipswich Town and the quarter-final win over Brighton, saving decisive penalties on each occasion.
“His impact has been amazing,” said manager Nuno Espirito Santo, himself a former goalkeeper. “He gives us so much confidence, especially in high-pressure moments.”

The Belgian’s ice-cool presence from the spot echoes Brice Samba’s Wembley heroics in 2022 — and Forest fans are hoping he can replicate that in the upcoming semi-final against Manchester City.

A Position Solved at Last
Before Sels, Forest had rotated through Matt Turner, Dean Henderson, and Keylor Navas without finding a long-term answer. With Sels now the club’s undisputed No.1, it seems that problem has been solved — and the Premier League has taken notice.

In March, he became the first Forest player ever to win a Premier League monthly award after claiming Save of the Month honors.

Matz Sels: 2024/25 Premier League Season Statistics

Matz Sels has been a cornerstone of Nottingham Forest's impressive 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Since his arrival from Strasbourg in January 2024, the Belgian goalkeeper has transformed Forest's defensive stability, leading the league with 13 clean sheets in 32 appearances .

His 73% save percentage and 104 saves highlight his shot-stopping prowess, while conceding just 38 goals showcases his consistency between the posts . Sels' performances have been instrumental in Forest's pursuit of European qualification, providing a reliable last line of defense.

Beyond his shot-stopping abilities, Sels contributes to the team's build-up play with his distribution skills, aiding in initiating counter-attacks and maintaining possession under pressure.