Matz Sels

Newcastle United On 29 June 2016, Sels completed a transfer to Premier League club Newcastle United on a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of £6.5 million. Sels made his Newcastle debut in the Championship on 5 August against Fulham. Sels kept a run of four clean sheets spanning 20 August to 13 September. Sels came under considerable fire from Newcastle fans for allowing a late equaliser from Aaron Tshibola at Aston Villa on 24 September. Despite receiving endorsement from manager Rafa Benítez during the week, Sels lost his place in the line-up to Karl Darlow against Norwich City on 28 September. His displacement from the line-up also received notable media coverage in his native Belgium. When Newcastle's next League Cup tilt came up, it was Sels who got the start, enjoying a clean sheet in a 6–0 victory over Preston North End on 25 October. On 22 June 2017, Sels signed for Anderlecht on a season-long loan.

Strasbourg On 27 July 2018, Sels moved to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg for £3.5 million. In his first season at the club, he was awarded Strasbourg's player of the Season.

Nottingham Forest

On 1 February 2024, Sels moved to Nottingham Forest. He made his Premier League debut for Forest 3 days later, in a 1–1 draw away to Bournemouth. On 2 March, Sels made a point-blank save in a match against Liverpool that earned him the Premier League Save of the Month award. By achieving that honour, he became the first ever Nottingham Forest player to win a Premier League monthly award.

Following the 2024–25 season, Sels was the first Nottingham Forest goalkeeper awarded the Premier League Golden Glove, shared with Arsenal's David Raya, after achieving 13 clean sheets.

International career

Sels was called up to the Belgium squad in October 2015 for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers against Andorra and Israel. He was named in the Roberto Martinez Belgian squad for the friendly against Saudi Arabia in Brussels on 27 March.

In May 2018 he was named in Belgium's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, he did not make the final 23.

In May 2021, Sels was named in Belgium's provisional squad for the rescheduled UEFA Euro 2020.

He made his debut on 3 June 2021 in a friendly against Greece, coming on as a substitute for Simon Mignolet in the 90th minute.

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

2010–11 Belgian Pro League

2011–12 Belgian Pro League

2012–13 Belgian Pro League

2013–14 Belgian Pro League

2014–15 Belgian Pro League

Honours Gent Belgian Pro League: 2014–15 Belgian Super Cup: 2015

Newcastle United EFL Championship: 2016–17

Anderlecht Belgian Super Cup: 2017

Strasbourg Coupe de la Ligue: 2018–19

Individual Belgian Professional Goalkeeper of the Season: 2015–16 Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Season: 2021–22 Premier League Save of the Month: March 2024 Premier League Golden Glove: 2024–25 (shared) Premier League Fan Team of the Season: 2024–25 The Athletic Premier League Team of the Season: 2024–25 PFA Team of the Year: 2024–25 Premier League