Matz Willy Els Sels

Matz Willy Els Sels is a Belgian goalkeeper, born in Duffel on 26 February 1992, who developed through Lierse’s youth system. He joined Lierse at seven and spent 14 years there before making his professional debut in 2012, saving a penalty against Gent in his first First Division appearance. In 2014, Sels moved to Gent, helping the club win its first Belgian Pro League title in 2014–15 and later saving an Alexandre Lacazette penalty on his Champions League debut against Lyon. Named Belgium’s Best Goalkeeper in 2015, he transferred to Newcastle United in 2016, where he initially started before losing his place during the Championship campaign. A loan to Anderlecht preceded six seasons at Strasbourg, where Sels became captain and established himself as a consistent shot-stopper. He returned to England with Nottingham Forest in February 2024 and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. In 2024–25, Sels recorded 13 Premier League clean sheets and shared the Golden Glove with David Raya, while also starting all 38 league matches.