Football has always been a sport that discovers hidden gems — players who rise from obscurity to become household names through sheer talent, determination, and hard work. Dilane Bakwa is one such story. A young French winger who journeyed through the lower leagues of French football before earning his place among Europe’s elite, Bakwa is now turning heads in the English Premier League with Nottingham Forest. His journey is one of persistence, resilience, and raw footballing talent.
Early Life and Background
Dilane Ros-Anderson Bakwa was born on 26 August 2002, in Créteil, a commune in the southeastern suburbs of Paris, France. Like many young footballers growing up in the Paris region, Bakwa was drawn to the beautiful game from an early age. He began his youth career at local clubs, first at Boissy (2010–2012) and then at Lusitanos Saint-Maur (2013–2015), before catching the attention of one of France’s most storied clubs — FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
At just 13 years old, Bakwa joined the Bordeaux academy in 2015, a move that would shape the rest of his footballing life. Bordeaux’s youth setup has been known for producing talented players, and Bakwa thrived in that environment. Over four years, he developed his pace, dribbling ability, and technical skills — the hallmarks of his game that would later attract top clubs.
Professional Beginnings at Bordeaux
On 28 May 2019, at just 16 years of age, Bakwa signed his first professional contract with Bordeaux — a moment that marked the beginning of his senior career. Standing at 1.79 meters (5 ft 10 in) and playing predominantly as a right winger, he possessed the kind of explosive pace and directness that excited fans and coaches alike.
He made his professional debut for Bordeaux in a 0–0 Ligue 1 draw against Nice on 27 September 2020. It was a significant milestone for a teenager making his way in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, Bordeaux as a club was going through a turbulent period financially and on the pitch. Despite the struggles of the first team, Bakwa continued to grow.
By the 2022–23 season, as Bordeaux had been relegated to Ligue 2, Bakwa showed his quality at the second-tier level. He made 36 league appearances, scoring 5 goals — a strong return for a winger in a difficult season for the club. His performances did not go unnoticed, and his future clearly lay beyond the struggling Bordeaux setup.
Breakthrough at Strasbourg
In August 2023, Dilane Bakwa made a significant move by signing a four-year contract with RC Strasbourg Alsace, rejoining the top flight of French football in Ligue 1. The move proved to be a turning point in his career.
At Strasbourg, Bakwa found his rhythm and consistency. In his first full season (2023–24), he made 31 league appearances and contributed 3 goals and 1 cup goal — a solid campaign that helped establish him as a reliable wide option. More importantly, he demonstrated the kind of sustained performance across an entire season that scouts at bigger clubs were looking for.
The 2024–25 season was even better. Bakwa made 30 league appearances and scored 5 goals, confirming his development into one of the most exciting wingers in Ligue 1. His directness, ability to beat defenders one-on-one, and improving end product made him one of the standout performers at the club. It was during this period that Premier League clubs began circling.
The Premier League Move: Nottingham Forest
On 1 September 2025 — deadline day of the summer transfer window — Dilane Bakwa completed a move to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. The deal was worth approximately €35 million including add-ons, and Bakwa signed a five-year contract, committing his future to the English club.
The transfer represented a huge statement of intent from Nottingham Forest, a club with a famous history but one that has been working hard to establish itself among the Premier League’s upper tier. Signing a 23-year-old winger for €35 million showed ambition and belief in Bakwa’s potential.
Bakwa was handed the number 29 shirt and began his Premier League adventure. The step up in quality, intensity, and physicality from Ligue 1 to the Premier League is well-documented, and like many new arrivals, Bakwa has taken time to adjust. Injuries have disrupted his start to life in England, limiting his appearances and affecting his ability to build momentum. However, his quality on the ball and natural talent have been evident whenever he has played.
International Career
Beyond his club career, Bakwa has represented France at youth level. He featured for France U16 (2017–18), France U17 (2018–19), and most recently France U21 (2024–25). His performances at Strasbourg earned him a call-up to the Under-21 national team, underlining the recognition he received within French football circles.
Representing France at any level is a significant achievement given the extraordinary depth of talent the country produces. For Bakwa, earning that recognition is a testament to how far he has come since his early days at small Parisian clubs.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dilane Bakwa is primarily a right winger who can also operate on the left flank. His greatest assets are his pace and his ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. He is direct, confident on the ball, and capable of creating chances out of nothing with a burst of speed or a clever piece of skill.
His time in Ligue 1 helped him develop a more rounded game — improving his defensive contribution, decision-making in the final third, and ability to work within a team structure. At 23 years old, he is still very much a developing player with considerable room to grow, which is exactly the kind of profile that excites clubs investing significant transfer fees.
What the Future Holds
The next few seasons will be defining for Dilane Bakwa. Settled at a Premier League club on a long-term contract, he has the platform to become a top-level winger in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. The key will be staying fit, adapting fully to the demands of English football, and delivering consistent performances.
Football history is full of players who took time to find their feet in the Premier League before exploding onto the scene. Bakwa has all the tools to be one of those stories — a player who, given time and opportunity, can justify every penny of his transfer fee and become a fan favourite at Nottingham Forest.
His journey from the suburbs of Paris to the Premier League is not just a personal success story. It is a reminder that talent, hard work, and belief can take a young footballer from local academies all the way to the world’s most-watched football league.
