Carlos Forbs is enjoying a resurgence with Club Brugge after a difficult spell at Ajax, where he struggled to make an impact despite high expectations. The Portuguese winger joined the Belgian champions in January 2025 following a loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers and limited playing time in Amsterdam.
Since arriving at Jan Breydel Stadium, Forbs has contributed goals and assists, helping Club Brugge maintain their push for the Belgian Pro League title. His performances mark a turnaround from his time in the Eredivisie, where he made just 22 appearances for Ajax across two seasons, scoring two goals.
The 21-year-old, born in Sintra, Portugal, developed through the youth ranks at Manchester City before joining Ajax in the summer of 2023. His contract with the Dutch club ran until June 30, 2028, but he was unable to secure a regular starting role under the coaching staff.
Forbs’ move to Club Brugge came after a challenging period that included a loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, where he made 10 appearances without scoring. His time in England did not yield the breakthrough he hoped for, prompting the return to continental Europe.
At Club Brugge, Forbs has worn the number 9 shirt and quickly integrated into the squad. By March 2026, he had made 26 appearances for the Belgian side, scoring three goals. His contribution has been viewed as a positive addition to a team competing on multiple fronts.
Internationally, Forbs has represented Portugal at various youth levels, including the U16, U18, U19, and U21 teams. He was part of the Portugal U19 squad that finished as runners-up at the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Malta. He earned his first senior cap for Portugal in 2025.
The winger stands at 1.69 meters (5 feet 7 inches) and plays primarily on the flank, using his pace and dribbling ability to create chances. His technical background from the Manchester City academy has been cited as a foundation for his development, though consistency at the highest level took time to emerge.
Club Brugge, based in the northwest of Belgium, competes in the Belgian Pro League and regularly participates in UEFA club competitions. The club has a strong domestic presence and has challenged for league honors in recent seasons.
Forbs’ adaptation to life in Bruges appears to have been smoother than his previous experiences abroad. Speaking about criticism, he has stated in interviews that he does not focus heavily on external opinions, choosing instead to concentrate on his operate and improvement.
The transfer from Ajax to Club Brugge was reported as an agreement between the two clubs, with Forbs moving on a permanent basis after failing to break into the first-team setup at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Ajax, based in Amsterdam, has undergone squad changes in recent years as part of ongoing rebuilding efforts.
As of March 2026, Forbs’ career statistics demonstrate 22 appearances and two goals for Ajax, two appearances and one goal for Jong Ajax, 10 appearances on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and 26 appearances with three goals for Club Brugge. His international record includes one senior cap for Portugal.
Looking ahead, Club Brugge faces a busy schedule in the Belgian Pro League, with upcoming matches that could influence their title challenge. Forbs will aim to maintain his recent form and contribute consistently as the season progresses.
His journey reflects the challenges young players face when adapting to new leagues and expectations. Forbs’ persistence through setbacks at Ajax and Wolves has culminated in a renewed opportunity in Belgium, where he is working to establish himself as a reliable contributor.
For continued updates on Carlos Forbs’ progress and Club Brugge’s campaign, fans can follow official club communications and league announcements. The next fixture for Club Brugge will be a key test in their pursuit of silverware this season.
Share your thoughts on Forbs’ revival and what it means for Club Brugge’s ambitions in the comments below.
