Matz Sels

Matz Willy Els Sels is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Belgium national team. Known for his commanding presence, sharp reflexes, and consistency, Sels has built a reputation as one of the more reliable shot-stoppers in European football.

His career highlights include winning the Belgian Pro League title with KAA Gent in 2015, the club's first in over a century, and claiming the Premier League Golden Glove for the 2024–25 season, shared with Arsenal's David Raya. With over 300 club appearances across Belgium, England, and France, Sels has established himself as a seasoned top-flight goalkeeper.

As of 2026, Sels remains a key figure at Nottingham Forest, where his performances have earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram, reflects his professional focus, with updates on matches and national team duties. [edit]

Matz Sels was born on 26 February 1992 in Lint, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. Growing up in a football-loving country, he developed an early passion for the game. He began his youth career at local club Kontich before joining Lierse's academy at the age of seven.

At Lierse, Sels progressed through the ranks, honing his goalkeeping skills. He made his professional debut for the club in 2010, at the age of 18, in the Belgian Pro League. Over the next four seasons, he established himself as a regular starter, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe's competitive leagues.

His performances at Lierse caught the attention of KAA Gent, who signed him in 2014. This move marked a significant step up in his career, setting the stage for his breakthrough on the European stage. [edit]

Matz Sels's breakthrough came at KAA Gent, where he played a pivotal role in the club's historic 2014–15 Belgian Pro League title win, their first in 115 years. This success earned him a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage the following season, where he showcased his abilities on a continental stage.

In July 2016, Sels moved to England, signing for Newcastle United in the Championship. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting role and spent the 2017–18 season on loan at Anderlecht in Belgium. In 2018, he transferred permanently to RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1, where he revived his career, making over 200 appearances over six seasons and becoming a fan favorite.

In January 2024, Sels joined Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. He quickly became the club's first-choice goalkeeper and played a crucial role in their successful relegation battle. His standout performance in a win at Chelsea, where he urged his teammates to "get over the line," drew widespread attention. The 2024–25 season proved historic as Sels jointly won the Premier League Golden Glove with Arsenal's David Raya, cementing his status as one of the league's top goalkeepers. [edit]

Matz Sels is perceived as a reliable and commanding goalkeeper, known for his shot-stopping ability and consistency. Media coverage often highlights his crucial saves and leadership on the pitch. Fans of Nottingham Forest have embraced him as a key figure in the team's resurgence. His social media presence is professional and career-focused, with posts about matches and national team duties. He does not have a distinctive fandom name, but his performances have earned him respect across the league. [edit]

While Matz Sels has not cultivated a distinct, named fanbase separate from the broader support of Nottingham Forest or the Belgian national team, his reputation among supporters is built on a foundation of quiet reliability rather than viral spectacle. The fans who follow him are typically integrated into the 'Reds' community, where they value his commanding presence and calm demeanor over flashy celebrity status. There are no documented campaigns, birthday billboards, or specific rituals organized exclusively in his name, reflecting a fandom that prioritizes his consistent performance as a goalkeeper over personal mythology. Despite this lack of a formal subculture, his standing remains secure within the professional football world. In August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine evaluated his current profile and determined that he does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings or any scope-specific top lists. This evaluation places him outside the tier of global superstars who generate measurable spikes in international search volume or media consumption signals required for a ranked position. While his career statistics and recent contract extensions with Nottingham Forest demonstrate significant professional success, the data indicates he has not yet crossed the threshold into the highest echelons of worldwide fame metrics tracked by the engine.[edit]

Matz Sels is right-footed despite being a goalkeeper, a trait that aids his distribution. He is represented by Cherry Sports agency and maintains a professional Instagram presence at @matzsels with around 105,000 followers. Fans often notice his distinctive shaved head paired with a beard and his remarkably calm demeanor, which rarely shows emotion even after crucial saves. Fluent in Dutch, French, and English, he navigates his career across Belgium, France, and England with ease. A notable moment in his recent tenure occurred in May 2026 when he publicly urged the team to secure their Premier League status during a critical relegation fight, stating, "We're almost there now." This leadership was highlighted again in February 2026 when news broke of his potential absence ahead of a match against Liverpool, underscoring his vital role in the squad's defensive lineup. His value was further recognized in June 2026 when he was mentioned as a potential transfer option for Club Brugge. On July 16, 2026, Nottingham Forest officially triggered a contract extension, securing his future with the club through the end of his tenure.[edit]

Details about Matz Sels's family are scarce, as he keeps his personal life private. He was born in Lint, Belgium, and grew up there. No public information is available about his parents or siblings. As of 2026, Sels is not publicly known to be married or have children. He has not shared family photos or stories on his social media, which focuses exclusively on his football career. [edit]

Matz Sels is associated with David Raya, with whom he shared the 2024–25 Premier League Golden Glove. He also faced Joshua Zirkzee, whose attempts he denied with remarkable saves. His career has been shaped by coaches and teammates at clubs like Gent, Strasbourg, and Nottingham Forest. [edit]

Matz Sels has kept his personal life out of the spotlight. As of 2026, there is no public record of any romantic relationships, marriages, or children. He has not been linked with any high-profile partners in the media. His social media feeds are strictly football-related, with no glimpses into a personal life. It appears he is currently single and focused on his career. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Matz Sels's net worth is estimated at $10 Million as of 2026. His primary income source stems from his contract with Nottingham Forest, where he earns a reported £50,000 per week, translating to roughly £2.6 million annually. Additional earnings come from international match fees with Belgium and endorsement deals, though he is not known for extensive commercial partnerships. Sels's net worth has grown steadily since his move to the Premier League. Before joining Forest, his salary at Strasbourg was lower, but the transfer to England brought a significant boost. Real estate and investments are not publicly documented, but as a top-flight footballer, he likely has a comfortable financial portfolio. The estimated figure aligns with typical earnings for a goalkeeper of his standing in the Premier League.[edit]

Matz Sels has won the Premier League Golden Glove for the 2024–25 season, an award he shared with David Raya. He was also part of the KAA Gent team that won the Belgian Pro League in 2014–15, their first title in 115 years. These are his most notable accolades. [edit]