{"id":263782,"first_name":"Willy-Arnaud Zobo","last_name":"Boly","short_name":"W. Boly","common_name":"Willy Boly","place_of_birth":"Melun","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":81,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T06:53:56.455Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-23T20:50:41.267Z","locale":"en","age":34,"stb_id":"willy-boly","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Willy Boly","top_position":null,"introduction":"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.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nWilly Boly was born in Melun, a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department in France. With roots in the Ivory Coast through his parents, his upbringing was a blend of cultures that would later influence his football career. From a young age, Boly was drawn to the game of football, showcasing talent and passion which led him to pursue the sport seriously.\n\n## Youth Career\nBoly's football journey began in earnest at the renowned INF Clairefontaine academy, where he spent three formative years honing his skills. The time at Clairefontaine was critical in his development, providing a solid foundation that facilitated his growth into a professional player. Following his tenure there, he joined AJ Auxerre's youth setup, marking the start of his path to professional football.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n### Auxerre\nBoly'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.\n\n### Braga\nIn 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.\n\n### Porto\nBoly'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.\n\n### Wolverhampton Wanderers\nBoly'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.\n\n### Nottingham Forest\nOn 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.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nBoly represented France at various youth levels, including under-16, under-17, and under-19 teams, reflecting his early promise on the national stage.\n\n### Senior National Team\nIn 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.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nBoly is known for his commanding presence as a centre-back, characterized by strong physical attributes and excellent tactical understanding. His defensive capabilities are marked by effective interceptions, aerial strength, and composure under pressure. Boly's technical skillset complements his role, making him a reliable figure in high-pressure situations.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAlthough specific statistics such as assists and exact match appearances are not detailed in the source, Boly's career reflects significant contributions in both domestic and international competitions.\n\n## Records\nNotably, Boly was part of the Wolverhampton Wanderers team that won the EFL Championship in the 2017–18 season and played a role in the Ivory Coast's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Taça de Portugal with Braga (2015–16)\n- EFL Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017–18)\n- Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast (2023)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Named in the PFA Team of the Year for the Championship during the 2017–18 season\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nWhile 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.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nWilly 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.\n\n## Off the Field\nThe source does not disclose information regarding Boly's off-field activities, philanthropy, or commercial pursuits.\n\n## Personal Life\nThe provided article does not include details about Boly's personal life beyond his professional career and familial background.","stb_internal_id":"01930566-afe0-71f7-b4de-1cb99f77edc1","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

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.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Willy Boly was born in Melun, a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department in France. With roots in the Ivory Coast through his parents, his upbringing was a blend of cultures that would later influence his football career. From a young age, Boly was drawn to the game of football, showcasing talent and passion which led him to pursue the sport seriously.

Youth Career

Boly's football journey began in earnest at the renowned INF Clairefontaine academy, where he spent three formative years honing his skills. The time at Clairefontaine was critical in his development, providing a solid foundation that facilitated his growth into a professional player. Following his tenure there, he joined AJ Auxerre's youth setup, marking the start of his path to professional football.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

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.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Boly is known for his commanding presence as a centre-back, characterized by strong physical attributes and excellent tactical understanding. His defensive capabilities are marked by effective interceptions, aerial strength, and composure under pressure. Boly's technical skillset complements his role, making him a reliable figure in high-pressure situations.

Performance Statistics

Although specific statistics such as assists and exact match appearances are not detailed in the source, Boly's career reflects significant contributions in both domestic and international competitions.

Records

Notably, Boly was part of the Wolverhampton Wanderers team that won the EFL Championship in the 2017–18 season and played a role in the Ivory Coast's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

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.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

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.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Willy_Boly_f3880b34cf.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":404978,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":null,"reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":null,"website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10502,"name":"Côte d’Ivoire","country_code":"CIV","iso_code":"CI","createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:51.207Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:30.615Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-af2b-7d81-b3fc-3e2f532921df","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Cote_d_Ivoire_CI_3bcb3dd929.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[],"footballExtra":{"id":302006,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Defender","foot":"right"},"membership":{"id":1048775,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2022-09-01","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T14:08:23.510Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:02:28.491Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"01932b00-f198-700c-865f-0b08d84d0173","overrides":null,"team":{"id":49661,"name":"Nottingham Forest FC","short_name":"Nottingham","tla_name":"NOT","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Nottingham Forest Football Club","founded":1865,"colors":"Red,White","nicknames":"Forest,The Reds,The Tricky Trees","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:23.522Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T11:52:37.274Z","website":"http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk","address":"Pavilion Road, West Bridgeford","address_city":"Nottingham","address_zip":"NG2 5GJ","locale":"en","stb_id":"nottingham-forest-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## Nottingham Football Team: Overview\n\n**Nottingham Forest**, founded in **1865**, the club from the city of **Nottingham** is among the **oldest in the world**. But the main thing is not the date, but the fact that **Forest** **won the European Champions Cup twice in a row**, which many more famous teams failed to do.\n\nHe had a **loud fame**, difficult years and an **unexpected comeback**. And today **Nottingham** is **among the best** again.\n\n> \"Legends don't die - they come back when you least expect them.\"","sporting_achievements":"## Nottingham history: how it began and what succeeded\n\nIt all started in the **nineteenth century**, when a group of men in **Nottingham** who were fond of hockey decided to create a **football club**. The name **\"Forest\"** was not taken by chance - the city is closely connected with the legends of **Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood**, so the symbolism was deeper than just a word.\n\n**In the 20th century** the club gradually announced itself. But the **real glory** came at the end of the **70s**, when the team was led by the **charismatic and completely unconventional Brian Clough**. Then everything happened very quickly:\n\n* In **1978** **Forest** won the **First Division**.\n* In **1979** — won the **European Champions Cup**.\n* In **1980** — **did it again**.\n\n> \"At that moment it seemed that this club could turn football around.\"\n\n**It was a team** without superstars, but with **incredible belief in their own abilities**. **Brian Clough** created something completely new — not only tactics, but a **psychological atmosphere** where every player felt his importance.\n\n**After that, there was a decline.** The club gradually slipped to the **lower divisions**, and later disappeared from the top football radar altogether. There were decades of silence, constant changes, instability.\n\n**But Forest didn't disappear.** He was reborn, picked himself up piece by piece, until in **2022** he returned to the **Premier League** — after **23 years of absence**. It wasn't just a comeback. It was an **act of willpower**.","club_identity":"## Nottingham Stadium\n\n**City Ground** is the home arena of **Nottingham Forest**, located right on the **banks of the River Trent**. If you haven't been there, you haven't experienced **traditional English touch football**. Opened in **1898**, this arena now holds just over **30,000 fans**.\n\n**This is not the most modern stadium.** There is no shiny glass or **fancy interiors**. But there is something more important: **closeness to the field**, the real noise of the fans, **the spirit of history in every stand**.\n\n> \"Locals call this place a shrine, because this is where the team created their legendary victories.\"\n\n**The stadium was repeatedly renovated**, but the main thing was left — **the feeling of home**. When you're at the **City Ground**, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. Here they always believe that **Forest** can fight anyone.\n\n## Nottingham achievements\n\nThe main titles of **Forest** are not just loud, but **historic**:\n\n* In **1978** the club won the **England Championship**.\n* And already in **1979 and 1980** he became a **two-time winner of the European Champions Cup**. It was a **shock for football Europe**: a modest team from **Nottingham** beat everyone.\n* Even earlier, in **1959**, the club won the **FA Cup**.\n* In different periods, he won the **League Cup**, reached the **semi-finals of the European Cups** and repeatedly became the **main surprise of the season**.\n\n> \"And while recent decades have been trophyless, Forest won the Championship play-off in 2022 and returned to the Premier League.\"\n\n**Showing everyone:** legends never die.","current_status_and_future":"## Nottingham famous players\n\nThere are many players who have made a name for themselves in the **Nottingham** shirt:\n\n1. **John Robertson** — he was **the heart of that legendary Clough team**, scored **decisive goals in Euro finals**.\n\n2. **Peter Shilton** is a **world-class** goalkeeper, one of **the best in the history of England**.\n\n3. **In the 90s** played **Roy Keane** — the future captain of **Manchester United**. It was in **Forest** that he passed the **character school**.\n\n4. **Stuart Pearce** is another icon, a player who **left everything he had** on the field.\n\n**Today, the club** does not have world-class stars, but **grows its own**. **Taivo Avonia, Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White** — these players are already becoming **the new faces of modern Forest**.\n\n## Nottingham interesting facts**\n\n* **Nottingham Forest** is the **only club** to have won the **European Champions Cup more times** than **the national championship**. And this still remains a fact that **surprises even experienced football fans**.\n\n* The club was also the **first** to use the **red shirts** - it was **Nottingham Forest** who handed over the **red kit to Arsenal** when it was just being created.\n\n> \"That's the football legacy.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Nottingham Forest** is a **unique example** of how **history and character** can be stronger than any temporary difficulties. Will the club be able to **repeat the legendary achievements** of the **Brian Clough** era? One thing is certain - the **spirit of the City Ground** and the **traditions of Sherwood Forest** make **Nottingham** a special place where **dreams of greatness** never die and **come back** when you least expect them. This is a club that **proves** that true greatness is measured not only by **the number of trophies**, but also by **spirit** and **the ability to come back from the ashes**.","stb_internal_id":"0192f730-ca82-717c-9074-dcc864fc7554","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Nottingham Football Team: Overview

Nottingham Forest, founded in 1865, the club from the city of Nottingham is among the oldest in the world. But the main thing is not the date, but the fact that Forest won the European Champions Cup twice in a row, which many more famous teams failed to do.

He had a loud fame, difficult years and an unexpected comeback. And today Nottingham is among the best again.

\n
\"Legends don't die - they come back when you least expect them.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Nottingham history: how it began and what succeeded

It all started in the nineteenth century, when a group of men in Nottingham who were fond of hockey decided to create a football club. The name \"Forest\" was not taken by chance - the city is closely connected with the legends of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood, so the symbolism was deeper than just a word.

In the 20th century the club gradually announced itself. But the real glory came at the end of the 70s, when the team was led by the charismatic and completely unconventional Brian Clough. Then everything happened very quickly:

In 1978 Forest won the First Division.
In 1979 — won the European Champions Cup.
In 1980 — did it again.

\n
\"At that moment it seemed that this club could turn football around.\"
\n

It was a team without superstars, but with incredible belief in their own abilities. Brian Clough created something completely new — not only tactics, but a psychological atmosphere where every player felt his importance.

After that, there was a decline. The club gradually slipped to the lower divisions, and later disappeared from the top football radar altogether. There were decades of silence, constant changes, instability.

But Forest didn't disappear. He was reborn, picked himself up piece by piece, until in 2022 he returned to the Premier League — after 23 years of absence. It wasn't just a comeback. It was an act of willpower.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Nottingham Stadium

City Ground is the home arena of Nottingham Forest, located right on the banks of the River Trent. If you haven't been there, you haven't experienced traditional English touch football. Opened in 1898, this arena now holds just over 30,000 fans.

This is not the most modern stadium. There is no shiny glass or fancy interiors. But there is something more important: closeness to the field, the real noise of the fans, the spirit of history in every stand.

\n
\"Locals call this place a shrine, because this is where the team created their legendary victories.\"
\n

The stadium was repeatedly renovated, but the main thing was left — the feeling of home. When you're at the City Ground, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. Here they always believe that Forest can fight anyone.

Nottingham achievements

The main titles of Forest are not just loud, but historic:

In 1978 the club won the England Championship.
And already in 1979 and 1980 he became a two-time winner of the European Champions Cup. It was a shock for football Europe: a modest team from Nottingham beat everyone.
Even earlier, in 1959, the club won the FA Cup.
In different periods, he won the League Cup, reached the semi-finals of the European Cups and repeatedly became the main surprise of the season.

\n
\"And while recent decades have been trophyless, Forest won the Championship play-off in 2022 and returned to the Premier League.\"
\n

Showing everyone: legends never die.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Nottingham famous players

There are many players who have made a name for themselves in the Nottingham shirt:

John Robertson — he was the heart of that legendary Clough team, scored decisive goals in Euro finals.
\n
Peter Shilton is a world-class goalkeeper, one of the best in the history of England.
\n
In the 90s played Roy Keane — the future captain of Manchester United. It was in Forest that he passed the character school.
\n
Stuart Pearce is another icon, a player who left everything he had on the field.
\n

Today, the club does not have world-class stars, but grows its own. Taivo Avonia, Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White — these players are already becoming the new faces of modern Forest.

Nottingham interesting facts**

Nottingham Forest is the only club to have won the European Champions Cup more times than the national championship. And this still remains a fact that surprises even experienced football fans.
\n
The club was also the first to use the red shirts - it was Nottingham Forest who handed over the red kit to Arsenal when it was just being created.
\n

\n
\"That's the football legacy.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Nottingham Forest is a unique example of how history and character can be stronger than any temporary difficulties. Will the club be able to repeat the legendary achievements of the Brian Clough era? One thing is certain - the spirit of the City Ground and the traditions of Sherwood Forest make Nottingham a special place where dreams of greatness never die and come back when you least expect them. This is a club that proves that true greatness is measured not only by the number of trophies, but also by spirit and the ability to come back from the ashes.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/481_859ab0c01e.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_481_859ab0c01e.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_481_859ab0c01e.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_481_859ab0c01e.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_481_859ab0c01e.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_481_859ab0c01e.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_481_859ab0c01e.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-7"}}},"rating":7.2}

Willy Boly: Career