PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dan Ndoye |
| Date of Birth | 25/10/2000 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Nyon, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Swiss (Senegalese heritage) |
| Height | 1.84 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Position | Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #14 (Nottingham Forest) |
| Current Club | Nottingham Forest |
| Previous Clubs | Lausanne-Sport, Nice, Basel, Bologna |
| International Caps | 33 |
| International Goals | 8 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
Vancouver, Canada. July 2, 2026. Switzerland, the Nati, were chasing their first World Cup knockout win in more than seven decades. The rain was pouring down at BC Place, and the Swiss were already 1-0 up against Algeria. Then, seconds after the second-half restart, Dan Ndoye delivered.
The 25-year-old winger, who had endured a difficult debut season at Nottingham Forest, latched onto a ball and fired home to make it 2-0. Switzerland cruised to victory, finally breaking their knockout hoodoo.
“It feels great, really great,” Ndoye told FIFA after the match. “It was really important for us to win today. We wrote one page of history for our nation and we hope we will continue like that because this is what we have dreamt about.”
The goal was his second of the tournament, and it made Switzerland the first team in World Cup history to score twice in the opening minute of the second half in separate matches—a record that showcased the Nati’s explosive restart ability.
For the player who had been written off by some as an expensive Premier League flop, the World Cup was the stage for redemption.
Origins
Born on October 25, 2000, in Nyon, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Dan Ndoye is the son of a Swiss mother and a Senegalese father. His father, Saliou, was a decent amateur player himself, and his Senegalese heritage partly inspired Ndoye’s trademark ‘lion’ celebration.
Ndoye came through the youth ranks at FC Lausanne-Sport, breaking into the first team as a teenager in the Swiss second division. His performances earned him a move to Ligue 1 with OGC Nice in January 2020.
Ndoye represented Switzerland at the U18, U19, and U21 levels before making his senior debut for the national team on September 24, 2022, in a UEFA Nations League match against Spain.
The European Forge
Lausanne-Sport (2018-2020):
Ndoye began his senior career at Lausanne-Sport in the Swiss second tier. He made his senior debut for the club in 2018 and caught the attention of scouts from Europe’s top leagues.
OGC Nice (2020-2021):
Ndoye earned a move to Ligue 1 with OGC Nice in January 2020, though he remained with Lausanne on loan for the remainder of the season. He made 28 league appearances for Nice, scoring and assisting once each, before returning to Switzerland a year later.
FC Basel (2021-2023):
Ndoye initially joined Basel on loan in August 2021, with the move being made permanent in the subsequent January transfer window. At Basel, his stock rose quickly. He contributed four goals and seven assists in his first season, followed by seven goals and five assists in 2022/23.
Bologna (2023-2025):
In August 2023, Ndoye signed for Bologna in Serie A. Over two seasons, he made 71 appearances for the club, scoring 11 times. His standout moment came in the 2024/25 Coppa Italia final, where he scored the decisive goal against AC Milan, securing the club’s first major silverware in 51 years. He also scored nine goals and provided six assists in all competitions during that campaign.
Nottingham Forest (2025-Present):
On July 30, 2025, Nottingham Forest completed a club-record deal for Ndoye, signing him from Bologna on a five-year contract. The fee was reported to be £34-35 million.
His start at Forest was bright—he scored a diving header on his Premier League debut against Brentford and provided an assist against Crystal Palace. However, his form dropped off significantly as the season progressed, with Ndoye scoring just one goal and providing one assist in 24 Premier League appearances and losing his starting spot amid four managerial changes.
Switzerland National Team (2022-Present):
Ndoye has been a key player for Switzerland since his debut in 2022. He was part of the squad for Euro 2024, scoring in the group-stage draw against Germany and playing as an emergency wing-back in the last-16 win over Italy. He has accumulated 33 caps and scored 8 international goals. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored in the group stage and in the Round of 32 against Algeria, helping Switzerland reach their first knockout win in over 70 years.
The Anatomy of His Game
Dan Ndoye is an explosive, direct winger known for his pace, power, and ability to beat defenders in transition. Former Swiss international Philippe Senderos describes him as a “real out-and-out winger” with “the legs and the power to go past people.”
In Possession:
Ndoye is at his best in transition, using his pace and direct running to attack space. He is versatile and can operate on either flank or even as a centre-forward. His dribbling has been highlighted as a key strength, with a desire to take opponents on and make things happen. He has a 100% career penalty conversion rate from his one taken.
Out of Possession:
Ndoye’s defensive contributions are less prominent. However, his work rate and willingness to track back have been noted, and he has even been used as an emergency wing-back for Switzerland. His physicality is an area that requires acclimatisation to the Premier League.
Psychological Edge:
Ndoye possesses a strong character and positive attitude. Senderos describes him as having “a great character” and being “someone that is willing to learn and adapt.” He has spoken about his ambition and his confidence in choosing Nottingham Forest over other clubs, citing the club’s project and direction. His ability to perform for Switzerland despite a difficult club spell demonstrates his mental resilience.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 24 | 1,175 | 1 | 1 | 6.45 |
| UEFA Europa League | 12 | 771 | 1 | 1 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | 2 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | Lausanne-Sport | Swiss Challenge League | — | — |
| 2020-2021 | OGC Nice | Ligue 1 | 31 | 1 |
| 2021-2023 | FC Basel | Swiss Super League | 63 | 7 |
| 2023-2025 | Bologna | Serie A | 71 | 11 |
| 2025-2026 | Nottingham Forest | Premier League/Europa League | 36+ | 2+ |
| TOTAL | — | — | 201+ | 21+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | 2 | Round of 16 |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | — | 1 | Quarter-Final |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | 2 | — |
| Switzerland Senior Career | 33 | 8 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Senior Debut | Lausanne-Sport |
| 2020 | Nice Transfer | Move to Ligue 1 |
| 2022 | Switzerland Debut | vs Spain |
| 2023 | Bologna Transfer | Move to Serie A |
| 2025 | Coppa Italia Winner | Scored winning goal for Bologna |
| 2025 | Nottingham Forest Transfer | Club-record £34M deal |
| 2026 | World Cup Knockout Goal | Scored vs Algeria |
What these figures reveal is a player who has developed into a consistent performer at the European level. Ndoye has accumulated over 200 professional appearances and won a major trophy with Bologna. His 33 caps for Switzerland and 8 international goals demonstrate his importance to the national team, and his World Cup performances show he can deliver on the biggest stage.
The Present Tense
Dan Ndoye is 25 years old and at a crossroads in his career. He is a Nottingham Forest player and a key member of Switzerland’s World Cup squad, but his future at the City Ground is uncertain following a difficult debut season.
The Nottingham Forest Story:
Ndoye joined Forest in July 2025 on a five-year deal and made a bright start with a goal and an assist in his first two games. However, his form dropped off amid four managerial changes at the club, and he became a peripheral figure as the season progressed. In 24 Premier League appearances, he managed just one goal and one assist.
The World Cup Campaign:
Ndoye was named in Switzerland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup and has been a key figure in their run to the knockout stages. He scored in the group stage and in the Round of 32 against Algeria, helping his nation to their first knockout win in over 70 years. He told FIFA: “We wrote one page of history for our nation and we hope we will continue like that.”
International Record:
Ndoye has 33 caps and 8 goals for Switzerland. He has been a consistent performer for the national team, scoring in Euro 2024 and World Cup qualifying, and has been praised by teammates and coaches alike.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Dan Ndoye is a symbol of Switzerland’s multicultural identity. Born in Nyon to a Swiss mother and a Senegalese father, he embraces both heritages, with his father’s Senegalese roots inspiring his trademark ‘lion’ celebration.
Family is clearly important for Ndoye. He chose the number 14 shirt at Forest in honour of his mother, Virginie, whose birthday is April 14. He also speaks fondly of his father, Saliou, who was a decent amateur player himself.
Ndoye is known for his positive outlook and constant smile, which has lifted the mood at Nottingham Forest despite his difficult season. He learnt English by watching the Harry Potter films, a testament to his adaptability and willingness to immerse himself in new cultures.
The Verdict from the Camp
Philippe Senderos, former Swiss international:
“I think he can be very good in the Premier League. He’s good in transitions, he runs, he’s a real out-and-out winger and he has the legs and the power to go past people… He’s got a great character, he’s someone that is willing to learn and adapt.”
Dan Ndoye, Switzerland and Nottingham Forest winger:
“It feels great, really great. It was really important for us to win today. We wrote one page of history for our nation and we hope we will continue like that because this is what we have dreamt about.”
Statistic:
Ndoye has 33 caps for Switzerland and has scored 8 international goals.
Statistic:
Ndoye scored the winning goal for Bologna in the 2025 Coppa Italia final, securing the club’s first major trophy in 51 years.
Statistic:
Ndoye is under contract with Nottingham Forest until 2030.
Where Next?
Dan Ndoye’s World Cup performances have raised his profile, with the tournament serving as a potential “shop window” for a player who has struggled at club level. A return to Italy, where he excelled at Bologna, is said to be on the cards. However, his displays in North America could also convince Forest to give him another chance, or attract interest from other Premier League or European clubs.
For Switzerland, Ndoye is a key figure for the future. His versatility, pace, and international experience make him a valuable asset. With 33 caps already and a World Cup campaign under his belt, he is expected to be a cornerstone of the national team for years to come.
From Nyon to the World Cup, Dan Ndoye’s journey is one of talent, resilience, and the power of international football to transform a career. The winger who was written off as an expensive flop in England has proven he can deliver on the biggest stage of all.
