Matz Sels was born on 26 February 1992 in Ghent, Belgium. A goalkeeper who developed through Belgian football, he built a steady career through clubs including KV Kortrijk and KAA Gent before earning a move to Newcastle United in 2016, when the club had just been promoted back to the Premier League. His spell on Tyneside was limited by competition and loan moves, but he gained experience across multiple leagues.
Sels subsequently established himself in France, joining RC Strasbourg where he became one of the more reliable goalkeepers in Ligue 1 over several seasons. His performances in Alsace built a reputation for composure, shot-stopping ability and commanding his area effectively. Nottingham Forest signed him in the summer of 2024, providing him with a prominent Premier League stage after years of consistent but lower-profile work.
For Belgium he has operated primarily as a backup to the more established names in the goalkeeping position, but has been part of the national team setup at various stages of his career. His experience across Belgian, English and French football gives him a breadth of tactical understanding that coaches value.
At 34 during the 2026 World Cup, Sels brings veteran experience to a Belgian squad that features a blend of golden generation experience and younger talent. His club-level consistency at Nottingham Forest in 2024-25 reinforced his place in the national squad picture.
Standing 1.90 m, Sels is a traditional goalkeeper who prioritises shot-stopping and aerial command over the modern sweeper-keeper style, though he is technically capable of playing out from the back when required.