Nottingham Forest have confirmed that Ivorian defender Willy Boly will leave the club when his contract expires on June 30, bringing an end to a three-year spell at the City Ground.
The 35-year-old, who joined Forest in 2022, will depart as a free agent after the club decided not to renew his deal.
His exit marks the conclusion of a stint that saw him contribute both on and off the pitch during a mixed period for the Premier League side.
Boly, a former Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers player, made 47 appearances for Nottingham Forest, scoring twice and providing one assist.
His most influential period came during his second season, when he featured 20 times in the Premier League and added two goals, helping the team during a competitive campaign.
However, his final season was heavily disrupted by injury, limiting him to just 91 minutes of action across all competitions and preventing him from making any Premier League appearances.
His absence was a notable setback for a player who had previously been a regular figure in the squad.
Despite his reduced involvement on the pitch in recent months, Boly had been regarded as an experienced presence within the dressing room.
He was part of the Forest squad that secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League in the 2024/25 season, a milestone achievement for the club during his time there.
Forest’s announcement brings closure to what had been a gradual winding down of his role in the team, with injuries significantly affecting his final year.
Nevertheless, his earlier contributions ensured he remained a respected figure among teammates and supporters.
At international level, Boly is part of the Ivory Coast national team setup and was a member of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, further underlining his experience at the highest level of the game.
Now a free agent, Boly is expected to assess his next move as he leaves Forest with a record of over 40 appearances and a reputation built on physical strength, leadership, and top-flight experience in both England and Europe.
His departure marks another step in Nottingham Forest’s ongoing squad reshaping ahead of the new season, as the club prepares for life without one of its most experienced defensive figures in recent years.
