A £34 million price tag brings enormous pressure. West Ham vs Chelsea saw Bowen’s last-gasp equaliser stun the Blues. Dan Ndoye has struggled to justify his price tag at Nottingham Forest instead. The Swiss winger arrived at the City Ground in July 2025 with high expectations. He had just helped Bologna win the Coppa Italia. He scored the decisive goal in the final against AC Milan, securing the club’s first major silverware in 51 years [citation:3]. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. Ndoye’s move to Forest proved life-changing for all the wrong reasons. Here is everything you need to know about the Swiss international in 2026.
Who is Dan Ndoye? Age and Background
Dan Ndoye was born on 25 October 2000 in Nyon, Switzerland [citation:8]. He is 25 years old as of May 2026. He stands 1.84 metres (6 feet) tall and plays as a winger or forward [citation:8]. is known for his pace, power and direct running style [citation:3]. Ben Duckett smashed a double century for Nottinghamshire. By contrast, Ndoye has struggled to find the net for Forest.
His career began in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport. He moved through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team. He later had spells at Nice and Basel before joining Bologna in 2023 for £16.45 million [citation:8].
Bologna Breakthrough: Coppa Italia Hero
Ndoye’s time at Bologna transformed his career. He helped the Rossoblu to a memorable Coppa Italia triumph. He scored the decisive goal in the final showdown with AC Milan. This secured Bologna’s first piece of major silverware in 51 years [citation:3].
His performances attracted attention from across Europe. Competition for his signature became fierce once it became apparent that exit doors were swinging open at the Serie A side [citation:3]. Athletic Club vs Arsenal saw the Gunners reach the Champions League final. Ndoye’s Coppa Italia heroics caught the attention of Premier League scouts.
£34 Million Move to Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest ultimately fended off transfer competition to secure Ndoye’s signature. The club paid Bologna £34 million ($46 million) for his services. He signed a five-year contract with the Midlands club [citation:3].
His Forest career started brightly. He opened his goal account on the first weekend of the 2025-26 campaign against Brentford. He also found the target in a historic European outing on home soil for Forest against Midtjylland on 2 October [citation:3].
Struggles at the City Ground
Ndoye’s promising start quickly fizzled out. End product has completely dried up since those early matches, at least on the domestic front [citation:3]. Starting berths have been in short supply.
He has slipped down the pecking order at the City Ground. Four different managers have taken charge at Nottingham Forest this season. The instability has not helped his form or confidence [citation:3]. Dexter: New Blood saw the franchise resurrected. Ndoye’s Forest career needs a similar resurrection.
Serious questions are now being asked about whether his international exploits can be replicated at club level [citation:3]. He has scored three goals through seven international appearances this season [citation:3]. However, he has failed to find consistency in the Premier League.
World Cup 2026: Switzerland Selection
Despite his club struggles, Ndoye has retained the faith of Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. He has been selected for Switzerland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup [citation:1].
Switzerland will compete in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar [citation:2]. The tournament takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico [citation:1].
Ndoye will wear the number 11 shirt for Switzerland at the World Cup [citation:7]. He joins fellow Premier League players Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni and Noah Okafor in the squad [citation:1].
Full Switzerland World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Marvin Keller (Young Boys), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient) [citation:2][citation:6].
Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Rodríguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz 05), Aurèle Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eray Cömert (Valencia), Miro Muheim (Hamburg SV), Luca Jaquez (Stuttgart) [citation:4][citation:6].
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland, captain), Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Djibril Sow (Sevilla), Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Johan Manzambi (SC Freiburg) [citation:4][citation:6].
Forwards: Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Noah Okafor (Leeds United), Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Ruben Vargas (Sevilla), Cedric Itten (Fortuna Dusseldorf) [citation:1][citation:6].
Philippe Senderos: ‘Ndoye Can Still Succeed in Premier League’
Former Swiss international Philippe Senderos remains confident in Ndoye’s ability. He believes the winger can still become a Premier League star [citation:3].
“I think he can be very good in the Premier League,” Senderos told GOAL [citation:3]. “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.”
Senderos attributes Ndoye’s struggles to the instability at Forest. “At Forest, this season it’s more like the overall season and how it went with the different managers from the beginning. It’s not been really stable but I think if they find the stability, they would be able to put him in a good position” [citation:3].
He also praised Ndoye’s character. “He’s got a great character, he’s someone that is willing to learn and adapt so, yes, I can see him having also an impact at the World Cup” [citation:3]. Scotland vs Belarus saw McTominay strike late. Senderos hopes Ndoye can strike late in his Forest career as well.
Could Ndoye Leave Forest This Summer?
Speculation is mounting about Ndoye’s future. The winger may look to use the World Cup as a shop window for potential suitors [citation:3].
A number of teams in Italy are already being credited with interest. Senderos believes Ndoye could thrive back in Serie A. “With his power and pace, he can make a lot of damage in Italy – and he has done in his time in Bologna” [citation:3].
Nottingham Forest may decide to cash in during the summer window. Vitor Pereira will be looking to freshen up his ranks in the next transfer window. The Portuguese manager wants added pace and trickery on the flanks [citation:3].
Any funds raised from sales could be reinvested elsewhere by a club that continues to dream big under the guidance of owner Evangelos Marinakis [citation:3].
Career Statistics and Honours
Ndoye has achieved notable success during his career. His honours include:
- Coppa Italia winner: 2024-25 (with Bologna) [citation:3][citation:8]
- Swiss Challenge League champion: 2019-20 (with Lausanne-Sport) [citation:8]
- Euro 2024 participant [citation:8]
- European U21 Championship participant: 2021 and 2023 [citation:8]
His estimated market value is €35 million as of May 2026 [citation:8].
What’s Next for Dan Ndoye?
The 2026 World Cup presents a golden opportunity for Ndoye. A strong performance in North America could reignite his career. It could also attract interest from potential suitors if he decides to leave Forest.
Senderos hopes to see Ndoye stay in the Premier League and prove himself. “The Premier League is ruthless and very, very competitive. I’d like to see him in the Premier League” [citation:3].
Whether Ndoye remains at Forest or moves elsewhere, his story is far from over. The £34 million price tag has weighed heavily on him. However, the raw talent that made him a Coppa Italia hero remains. He will hope to show the world what he can do on the biggest stage this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dan Ndoye? Dan Ndoye was born on 25 October 2000. He is 25 years old as of May 2026 [citation:8].
What position does Dan Ndoye play? He is a winger or forward. He is known for his pace, power and direct running style [citation:3].
How much did Nottingham Forest pay for Dan Ndoye? Forest paid Bologna £34 million ($46 million) for Ndoye in July 2025. He signed a five-year contract with the club [citation:3].
Has Dan Ndoye been selected for the 2026 World Cup? Yes. He has been named in Switzerland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He will wear the number 11 shirt [citation:1][citation:7].
What are Dan Ndoye’s best qualities? Philippe Senderos describes him as an out-and-out winger with pace, power and the ability to go past defenders. He is good in transitions and has a great character [citation:3].
Will Dan Ndoye leave Nottingham Forest? Speculation is mounting about a potential departure. Several Italian clubs are reportedly interested. Forest may decide to cash in during the summer transfer window [citation:3].
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