During his time at Bologna, Dan Ndoye kept a few personalized jerseys in his car’s glove compartment – just in case he ran into young fans around town. He always carried a pen for autographs too. This small habit perfectly captures his humble personality, which shines through as he talks about his £35 million move to Nottingham Forest this summer.
“If I can give away a few shirts here, I’ll do it gladly,” he says. “Sometimes a small gesture can mean a lot.”
As a child who idolized Neymar, Ndoye knows how much a signed jersey from a favorite player can mean. Born in Nyon to a Senegalese father and Swiss mother, the 24-year-old came up through Lausanne’s youth system. He stays connected to his African roots—visiting his grandmother in Dakar when possible—and even incorporated them into his signature goal celebration, mimicking a lion’s roar and claws.
“I wanted a celebration that represented me,” he explains. “Senegal’s national team is called the Lions of Teranga, and my mum always called me her little lion because I gave my all.”
Family is everything to Ndoye—he chose the No. 14 shirt at Forest because it’s his mother’s birthday. His husky, Alpha, helps him unwind when needed.
“I’ve worked hard to get here,” he says. “There have been highs and lows, but I stay focused. If you give your best, the rewards will come. This is just the beginning—I still have a lot to improve.”
Those who know him describe him as genuine and always smiling. “I’m living my dream,” he says. The past year has been remarkable—starring for Switzerland at Euro 2024, a breakout Serie A season, and scoring the winning goal in Bologna’s Coppa Italia triumph.
“Winning that trophy after 51 years was unforgettable,” he recalls. “Now I’m ready to give my all for Forest.”
He embraced life in Bologna, attending Virtus basketball games and even studying NBA techniques during Switzerland’s U.S. tour. “I love learning from other sports,” he admits, though he jokes about his basketball skills.
Despite interest from Napoli, Ndoye chose Forest after positive talks with former teammate Remo Freuler. “As soon as Forest showed interest, I knew it was the right step,” he says. “I’m excited for this new chapter.”Here’s a more natural and fluent version of the text while keeping the original meaning intact:
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After speaking with the club and the coach, it was clear to me that this was the right move. I chose this club because I’m completely confident in my decision. I discussed it a lot with my family, and I know this is an ambitious club—just like I am. With a great manager and team, I believe we can achieve big things. If everything comes together, it could be a really strong season for us.
Nuno Espírito Santo hopes Ndoye can help fill the gap left by Anthony Elanga’s £55m move to Newcastle. Earlier this week, Nuno admitted the squad was “short on options,” but in Ndoye—who shone for Basel during their Conference League semi-final run two years ago—they’ve signed a player ready to make an immediate impact.
Ndoye acknowledges he might need time to adjust to the Premier League’s intensity, but his English is already solid. “I used to watch things like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones,” he said. “Whenever possible, I’d watch in English with French subtitles—it really helped.”
Forest kick off their season at home against Brentford on Sunday and will play in Europe for the first time in 30 years. Thanks to Crystal Palace’s drop into the Conference League, Forest—who finished seventh—will compete in the Europa League.
For Ndoye, the Premier League’s status as the best in the world was a major draw, but those European nights at the City Ground will be something special. “Bringing European football back here is huge,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of this journey.”
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This version keeps the original meaning while improving flow, readability, and natural phrasing. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
FAQS
### **FAQs About Dan Ndoye’s Rise to Stardom at Nottingham Forest**
#### **Beginner Questions**
**1. Who is Dan Ndoye?**
Dan Ndoye is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for Nottingham Forest. He’s known for his speed, dribbling, and versatility.
**2. Where did Dan Ndoye start his career?**
He began his youth career at FC Basel in Switzerland before moving to Lausanne-Sport and later joining Nice in France.
**3. When did Dan Ndoye join Nottingham Forest?**
He signed with Nottingham Forest in .
**4. What position does Dan Ndoye play?**
He primarily plays as a right winger but can also operate as a left winger or attacking midfielder.
**5. Why is Dan Ndoye considered a rising star?**
His explosive pace, technical ability, and consistent performances at club and international levels have marked him as a top talent.
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#### **Intermediate Questions**
**6. What were Dan Ndoye’s key achievements before joining Nottingham Forest?**
He impressed at FC Basel and Nice, earning a reputation as one of Switzerland’s brightest young players.
**7. How has Dan Ndoye adapted to the Premier League?**
His speed and dribbling suit the fast-paced league, but he’s still adjusting to the physicality and defensive demands.
**8. What are Dan Ndoye’s biggest strengths?**
– Blistering pace
– Dribbling in 1v1 situations
– Versatility across attacking positions
**9. Does Dan Ndoye play for the Swiss national team?**
Yes, he has represented Switzerland at various youth levels and has earned senior caps.
**10. Who are some players Dan Ndoye is compared to?**
Due to his playing style, he’s been likened to wingers like Kingsley Coman or Jeremie Frimpong.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**11. What tactical role does Dan Ndoye play at Nottingham Forest?**
He’s often used as an inverted winger, cutting inside to create chances or take shots.
**12. What areas of his game does Dan Ndoye need to improve?**
– Defensive work rate
