
Willy-Arnaud
Zobo Boly

Nottingham
Willy Boly: Athlete's Biography

Club Career
Auxerre
Boly's senior career began with AJ Auxerre's reserves, but he quickly made his mark, signing his first professional contract in February 2011. His Ligue 1 debut came on April 16, 2011, playing the full match in a 1–0 win against Toulouse. He notched his first league goal soon after, demonstrating his capability as a decisive defender. Despite his strong performances, Auxerre faced relegation at the end of the 2011-12 season.
Braga
In a significant move, Boly joined Portuguese side Braga on September 1, 2014. Initially playing for the B-team, he took the opportunity to adapt to a different footballing culture, gaining valuable experience.
Porto
Boly's next step was with Porto, signing a five-year contract on August 31, 2016. Though he found limited opportunities, he made notable appearances, including playing against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Boly's career took a significant turn when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan in July 2017, reuniting with Nuno Espírito Santo. He played a crucial role in Wolves' promotion to the Premier League, securing a permanent contract thereafter. His Premier League debut was marked by a controversial goal against Manchester City. During his tenure, Boly demonstrated resilience, overcoming a fibula fracture in 2019 to return stronger, and later scoring in crucial matches.
Nottingham Forest
On September 1, 2022, Boly made a fresh start with Nottingham Forest. His contributions to the team have continued to be substantial, with the club extending his contract into 2024.
National Team Career
Youth National Teams
Boly represented France at various youth levels, including under-16, under-17, and under-19 teams, reflecting his early promise on the national stage.
Senior National Team
In 2020, Boly made the decision to represent the Ivory Coast at senior level, debuting against Madagascar in a successful Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. His international career further culminated in playing a part in the Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2023.
Willy-Arnaud Zobo Boly is a distinguished professional footballer born on February 3, 1991, in Melun, France. He currently plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and represents the Ivory Coast national team. Boly is celebrated for his defensive prowess and has made significant contributions to every team he has been a part of, winning accolades at both club and international levels.
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Taça de Portugal with Braga (2015–16)
- EFL Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–18)
- Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast (2023)
Individual Achievements
- Named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship during the 2017–18 season
Awards and Recognition
While the source does not provide detailed accounts of all individual awards, Boly's selection into the PFA Team of the Year is a testament to his impactful performances.
Career Overview
Willy Boly has established himself as a robust center-back with a career spanning several prominent European leagues. His contributions in club and international football highlight his versatility and dedication, with notable successes contributing to his enduring reputation in the sport.
Off the Field
The source does not disclose information regarding Boly's off-field activities, philanthropy, or commercial pursuits.
Personal Life
The provided article does not include details about Boly's personal life beyond his professional career and familial background.