Willy Boly is an Ivorian centre-back who plays for Nottingham Forest. At 35, he remains part of Ivory Coast's wider 2026 picture because he brings duel timing, recovery defending, and aerial control at both club and international level.
Willy-Arnaud Zobo Boly was born on 3 February 1991 in Melun, France. He plays in Premier League and has 22 senior caps for Ivory Coast.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Willy Boly was born in Melun, France, and his background links France and Ivory Coast in a way that later shaped his international path.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
On 1 September 2014, Boly moved to Portugal and joined Braga on a four-year deal.
On 8 July 2017, Boly joined EFL Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan, reuniting him with his former head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
Current club and recent form
He has been with Nottingham Forest since 2022, and recent market tracking places him at around €800 thousand.
Willy Boly - Stats and Performance
Willy Boly's current season with Nottingham stands at 6 appearances, 0 goals, and 0 assists in Premier League. For a defender, those numbers are best read through availability, role, and contribution from deeper areas rather than raw output alone.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | Nottingham | 6 | 0 | 0 |
The safest reading is that Nottingham have trusted him regularly in Premier League, and the 6 appearances are the strongest indicator of current value. The goal and assist return adds context, but role security and match rhythm matter more here.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 22 caps and 1 goals for Ivory Coast in currently tracked records.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast | 22 | 1 | Ivory Coast senior squad involvement |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Willy Boly plays as a centre-back and is valued for duel timing, recovery defending, and aerial control.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Willy-Arnaud Zobo Boly |
| Date of birth | 3 February 1991 |
| Age | 35 |
| Nationality | Ivory Coast |
| Height | 195 cm |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Nottingham Forest |
| Jersey number | 30 |
| Weekly salary | £40,000 gross (estimated) |
| Estimated net worth | £5.74 million (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show Nottingham Forest as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2022.
Salary and Net Worth
Current salary estimates place Willy Boly at about £40,000 gross (estimated) per week at Nottingham Forest. That works out to roughly £2,080,000 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around £5.74 million.
FAQs
How old is Willy Boly and what is his nationality?
Willy Boly is 35 years old and he represents Ivory Coast.
Which club does Willy Boly play for now?
He currently plays for Nottingham Forest.
What position does Willy Boly play?
He plays as a centre-back.
Is Willy Boly part of Ivory Coast's national-team picture?
Yes. With 22 caps currently listed, he remains part of Ivory Coast's wider selection picture.
What is Willy Boly salary and market value?
Salary: £40,000 gross (estimated). Market value: €800 thousand.