Matz Sels

Matz Sels was born on February 26, 1992, in Lint, Belgium. He grew up playing football and showed promise as a goalkeeper from a young age. His skills and passion for the sport led him to pursue a career in professional football. Over the years, Sels developed into a highly regarded goalkeeper, earning opportunities to play for top clubs in Europe.

Matz Sels began his senior career as a professional footballer at Lierse SK in 2010. Lierse SK, a Belgian professional football club from Lier, was the platform where Sels showcased his goalkeeping talents. Although he was part of the team, his appearances were limited, focusing on developing his skills further for future opportunities in more competitive environments.

On January 13, 2014, Matz Sels signed with KAA Gent, a major football club in Belgium. This marked a significant step in his professional career, providing him with a more substantial platform to demonstrate his goalkeeping abilities. With Gent, Sels gained more visibility and showcased his abilities at a higher level of competition, further enhancing his professional credentials as a goalkeeper.

Matz Sels played a crucial role in KAA Gent's victorious 2014-2015 season, as the club clinched the Belgian Pro League title on May 21, 2015. Sels, as the starting goalkeeper, contributed significantly to the team's success with his impressive performances throughout the season. His efforts were instrumental in securing Gent's first-ever league title, establishing him as one of the top goalkeepers in Belgium.

Matz Sels transferred to Newcastle United on June 29, 2016, signing a five-year contract with the English club. The move to Newcastle presented an opportunity for Sels to prove himself in one of the most competitive football leagues. Despite competition for the starting goalkeeper position at Newcastle, his move was seen as a strategic step to gain experience in the English football scene.

On June 22, 2017, Matz Sels was loaned to Anderlecht, a leading club in Belgium, for the 2017-2018 season. Returning to his home country, Sels had the task of helping Anderlecht perform well in both domestic and European competitions. Sels saw significant playing time at Anderlecht, reestablishing himself as a reliable first-choice goalkeeper and contributing positively to the team's performance.

Matz Sels completed a permanent move to the French club Strasbourg on July 3, 2018, signing a contract with the Ligue 1 side. His transfer to Strasbourg marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing him to participate in one of Europe’s top leagues and continue his professional growth. Playing in France has provided Sels with the chance to match his skills against some of the best talents in international football.

In recognition of his outstanding performances during the 2018-2019 season, Matz Sels was named Strasbourg’s Player of the Season on May 13, 2019. Sels's consistent displays and crucial saves contributed significantly to Strasbourg's success in maintaining a strong position in Ligue 1. His reliable presence between the posts earned him accolades from both fans and critics, establishing him as a cornerstone of the team.

Matz Sels was selected for the Belgian national team's squad for UEFA Euro 2020, an international football competition delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he did not play in any matches, his inclusion in the squad underscored his status as one of Belgium's top goalkeepers. Being part of such a prestigious tournament was a testament to Sels's skill level and professional reputation on the international stage.

Matz Sels made his return to competitive football on March 30, 2022, after recovering from a serious injury that sidelined him for several months. His comeback was eagerly anticipated by fans and the club alike, as Sels reclaimed his position as Strasbourg’s first-choice goalkeeper. His resilience and dedication to recovering have been praised, showcasing his professional demeanor and commitment to the sport.