Willy Boly

Willy Boly made his professional debut for AJ Auxerre on January 1, 2013, in a Ligue 2 match. As a product of the Auxerre youth academy, Boly's introduction to professional football was significant, marking the beginning of his career in the senior ranks. Despite his young age, Boly showed potential and maturity beyond his years, cementing his place in the starting lineup. His performances caught the attention of scouts from other clubs, showcasing his defensive skills and physicality. This debut laid the foundation for Boly's growth and future success at clubs across Europe.

On January 1, 2014, Willy Boly signed with S.C. Braga after leaving Auxerre, marking his first move outside of France. At Braga, Boly began to gain recognition for his strong defensive capabilities, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the squad. His time at Braga allowed him to showcase his talents on a larger stage, particularly in European competitions. This move was a significant step in Boly's career as it paved the way for subsequent transfers to bigger European clubs, showcasing his potential to excel beyond Ligue 2 where he previously played.

On July 1, 2015, Willy Boly scored his first professional goal while playing for S.C. Braga in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Boly's goal came from a powerful header during a match against AIK. As a defender, scoring was not a frequent occurrence for Boly, making this goal a memorable highlight of his career at Braga. His goal-scoring ability added an unexpected edge to his defensive duties, helping the team secure a lead in the match. This moment was celebrated by the fans and marked a milestone in Boly's career as a professional footballer.

On September 1, 2016, Willy Boly joined FC Porto on a five-year contract from Braga. The transfer was part of Porto's strategic moves to strengthen their defensive lineup, given Boly's impressive defensive skills and experience in the Primeira Liga. At Porto, Boly was expected to compete for a starting position among a team known for its strong defensive record both domestically and in European competitions. Throughout his time at Braga, Boly demonstrated significant potential which Porto hoped to harness further in their ambitious campaigns in the UEFA Champions League and the domestic league.

Willy Boly initially joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from FC Porto but on January 1, 2018, Wolves opted to exercise their option to make the deal permanent. Boly's influence in the Championship as part of Wolves' defense was evident, and he played a crucial role in helping the team achieve promotion to the English Premier League. Known for his physical presence, calmness in possession, and aerial ability, Boly solidified his place as a key figure in the team's backline. The signing was seen as a statement of intent by Wolves in their quest to remain competitive in the top flight of English football.

Willy Boly made his English Premier League debut on August 11, 2018, with Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match against Everton. Boly's inclusion in the starting XI was crucial as Wolves aimed to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League after their promotion. During the game, Boly showcased his defensive prowess and ability to adapt to the demands of the top flight of English football. His presence in Wolves' defense became a mainstay throughout the season, contributing to the club's strong defensive record and helping them secure a 7th place finish. This debut marked the beginning of Boly's successful stint in the Premier League.

Willy Boly made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team on June 15, 2019, in a friendly match against Uganda. The game was part of Ivory Coast's preparation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Boly, who plays as a central defender, had previously expressed interest in playing for the national team of his country of birth despite also being eligible to play for France, where he spent most of his childhood. This debut was significant as it marked Boly's commitment to representing the Ivory Coast at an international level. His inclusion in the squad was seen as a major boost for the team's defense, leveraging his experience playing in top European leagues.

On July 28, 2020, Wolverhampton Wanderers announced that Willy Boly had signed a new contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2023. The decision to extend Boly's contract was met with approval from fans and analysts alike, who saw him as an integral part of the team's defense. Boly's consistent performances in the Premier League had been crucial to Wolves' solid defensive setup, and his experience was deemed invaluable for the team's future aspirations. The extension underscored the club's confidence in Boly's abilities and commitment to building a competitive squad for future challenges.

On February 2, 2021, it was reported that Willy Boly tested positive for COVID-19. Boly's diagnosis came at a challenging time for Wolverhampton Wanderers, as the team dealt with injuries and absences. Boly was forced to undergo a period of self-isolation in line with health protocols, missing several of Wolves' matches. His absence was felt on the pitch, as Boly was a regular starter in defense. The incident highlighted the impact of the pandemic on footballers and teams worldwide, affecting scheduling and team morale. Fans and teammates expressed their support, wishing Boly a speedy recovery.

On September 1, 2022, Willy Boly joined Nottingham Forest from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The transfer came after several successful seasons with Wolves in the Premier League, where he established himself as a reliable central defender. At Nottingham Forest, Boly was brought in to bring his Premier League experience to the newly promoted side, aiming to solidify their defense as they sought to secure their top-flight status. His move was part of Forest's active transfer window, which saw them make several additions to strengthen the squad. Boly's leadership and defensive capabilities were expected to play a significant role in Nottingham Forest's campaign.