A year ago, Matz Sels was on the brink of a quiet transfer to Nottingham Forest, a club embroiled in turmoil and battling relegation. The Belgian goalkeeper made the bold decision to leave the stability of Ligue 1 for an uncertain future in England. Little did anyone anticipate that this move would transform both his career and the fortunes of Forest. In February 2023, Sels debuted in a draw against Bournemouth, with Forest languishing near the bottom of the league and facing potential point deductions due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Despite these challenges, Sels embraced the opportunity, determined to help his new team survive.

Fast forward to today, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Nottingham Forest now finds itself in third place, just six points behind league leaders Liverpool. Sels has emerged as a cornerstone of the team's resurgence, leading the race for the Golden Glove with nine clean sheets. His presence has bolstered Forest's defense, which ranks as the third-best in the division. Sels' journey from a struggling newcomer to a pivotal player underscores the power of resilience and adaptability. “I knew the situation when I signed,” Sels reflects, “but you cannot see too far ahead; you just have to take it one step at a time.”

The turnaround at Nottingham Forest exemplifies the unpredictable nature of football and the impact of individual contributions. Sels' experience at Newcastle United earlier in his career, where he struggled to establish himself, taught him valuable lessons about perseverance. Now, with a solid defense and quality teammates, Forest is not only avoiding relegation but aiming higher. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains cautious about discussing Champions League ambitions, but the team's performance speaks volumes. As Sels puts it, “We are trying to achieve something great, and we will see where it takes us.” This story highlights the importance of embracing challenges and the rewards that come from unwavering dedication.