Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs returns to Belgium this week carrying a fresh wave of confidence and a clear career objective after securing qualification for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Portugal. The 22-year-old forward, who joined the Belgian champions in the summer of 2025, has set his sights firmly on reclaiming a spot in Portugal’s senior national team.
Securing Under-21 Qualification in Portugal
Carlos Forbs spent the current international break with the Portugal Under-21 squad, where regular playing time helped anchor his development. Portugal successfully won its qualifying group to secure a direct ticket to this summer’s Under-21 European Championship. Following a group campaign that culminated in the tournament berth, the squad prepares for a concluding fixture against group runners-up Czechia on Tuesday. Forbs has established himself as a regular starter under the youth setup, utilizing the platform to maintain match rhythm.
Chasing a Return to the Senior Seleção
The forward’s strong club form in Belgium previously caught the eye of former national team manager Roberto Martínez, who handed Forbs his senior debut for the Portugal A-squad in the autumn of 2025. That initial appearance has not yet yielded a subsequent cap, returning Forbs to the youth ranks for regular minutes. Speaking to Record, Forbs outlined his immediate ambitions regarding the senior setup. “I am very happy in this team and will do my absolute best every day,” Forbs said. “But I will not forget the unique experience with the A-team and I keep working hard to get back there.”
Rebuilding Momentum in West Flanders
Forbs returns to Club Brugge following a transfer from Ajax in the summer of 2025 that cost the Belgian club approximately 6 million euros. The move drew skepticism following difficult spells in Amsterdam and a subsequent loan stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the investment paid dividends for Club Brugge as the former Manchester City academy product established himself as an attacking catalyst. Across 59 total appearances for Club Brugge, Forbs has contributed 13 goals and 15 assists.
Tactical Role Under Club Brugge Management
Operating primarily on the right flank, Forbs utilizes speed to break defensive lines, though tactical adjustments remain a point of emphasis. Opponents defending in a low block have occasionally forced the winger into difficult dribbling situations, cutting off his primary weapon of open space. Despite mixed scoring stretches across the campaign, his production rate has justified the initial financial outlay by the club. Club Brugge will re-integrate their returning internationals midweek.
Worth a look
