Brice Samba
An athletic shot-stopper and penalty specialist — the hero of Nottingham Forest's promotion and Ligue 1's best goalkeeper with Lens.
Playing Style Summary
Samba is an agile, explosive goalkeeper with a strong record in pressure moments. He made his name in England, saving three penalties in a play-off semi-final shootout as Nottingham Forest returned to the Premier League in 2022, then was named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022-23 after keeping the league's most clean sheets for Lens. He joined Rennes in 2025 and was part of France's 2026 World Cup squad as a back-up goalkeeper. His game is built on reflexes, bravery and comfort playing behind an attacking team.
Defining Traits
Penalty Specialist
Patient on his line and decisive in his dive — his shootout performance for Forest remains one of the defining moments of his career.
Athletic Shot-Stopper
Quick off the ground and agile, he makes reaction saves at close range and covers the low corners well.
Comfortable on the Ball
Used to playing for possession-minded coaches, he participates in build-up and can find midfielders between the lines.
Big-Moment Temperament
Has delivered in play-offs and title races, keeping his calm when the stakes rise.
Strengths
- Reflexes and agility on close-range shots
- Penalty-saving record in high-pressure situations
- Good participation in build-up and short passing
- Experience of the Championship, Premier League and Ligue 1
Limitations
- Not the tallest goalkeeper, so congested set pieces can be a test
- Faces competition for a France place behind an established number one
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