{"id":263782,"first_name":"Willy-Arnaud","last_name":"Zobo 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":"2025-06-07T12:05:40.198Z","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":null,"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.

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Willy Boly: Profile