Brice Samba was allowed to leave Nottingham Forest last summer and on Sunday night he won a huge accolade. The Reds custodian left after three years at the football club to sign for Lens shortly after promotion was secured.
Samba was instrumental as Forest reached the Premier League for the first time in 23 years. He was superb in the semi-final second leg against Sheffield United, saving three penalties in the shootout.
The goalkeeper had a desire to move back to France and subsequently signed for Lens. Now, the Ligue 1 outfit have defied the odds and Samba has helped them claim a place in the Champions League.
Samba is now considered a top goalkeeper in France. Furthermore, he’s now been named the Best Goalkeeper in Ligue 1 for the 2022/23 campaign for his unbelievable efforts with Lens.
It’s been a season to remember for the club. Not too many people had them marked down for a place in the top two but here we are, with Samba a huge part of their meteoric rise up the division.
The 29-year-old has kept 15 clean sheets during 37 outings for his new club. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that he’s only conceded 28 goals all season.
Samba has won a huge accolade and Forest promotion hero reacts
Last season was a really good one for the goalkeeper. Sadly for Forest, they were forced into letting him leave for a return to France when he was ultimately at the peak of his powers.
Philip Zinckernagel was another player who performed brilliantly for Forest last season. He is now playing for Standard Liege and he’s also having a good season away from the City Ground.
Samba will be eagerly anticipating playing in the Champions League next season. There is also a strong possibility that he will be facing an English side in the competition once it gets drawn.
Zinckernagel has popped a single one-word response to Samba after he spoke of his pride on Instagram in claiming this award. The Dane called him ‘Magnifique’ for his efforts and he’s spot on.
Forest fans have fond memories of Samba. Now, he’s smashing it in France, whilst Forest find themselves in a position where they need to sign a goalkeeper that will be with the club on a long-term basis.
