Carlos Forbs Shines as Club Brugge Cruise Past RC Lens
Carlos Forbs is making a powerful impression in Belgian football. The Portuguese winger delivered a goal and an assist as Club Brugge defeated RC Lens 3-0 at the Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday, earning strong reviews from local media and fresh praise from his manager.
Brugge’s victory was built on patience as much as attacking quality. The hosts found the first half difficult, with Lens limiting their space and making it challenging to create clear chances. But just before the interval, Hans Vanaken broke the deadlock, tapping home in stoppage time to give Brugge a valuable lead.
Forbs takes control after the break
The game opened up in the second half, and Forbs became its defining figure. His pace and direct running caused problems for the Lens defence, while his willingness to attack one-on-one gave Brugge a new outlet. Forbs helped set up the second goal with a sharp burst down the flank and a well-timed cross, then capped his performance by scoring the third himself.
The contribution reinforced the sense that Forbs is becoming more than a player capable of occasional flashes of brilliance. His performance combined speed and technical quality with effective decision-making, while his work for the team helped Brugge maintain control after taking the lead.
Manager Ivan Leko was delighted with the winger’s display. He described Forbs as “simply fantastic to have in the squad,” pointing to his pace, ball control and threat in one-on-one situations. Leko also highlighted the player’s development, saying he has grown into a more complete and consistent footballer who defends and contributes to the collective effort.
Strong form continues after Inter performance
Forbs’ display against Lens was not an isolated highlight. He had already played a major role in Brugge’s dramatic 4-3 win over Inter the previous week, supplying three assists in an attacking performance that underlined his influence in the final third.
Back-to-back performances of that quality are significant for a winger seeking consistency. Goals and assists attract attention, but Forbs’ recent impact also reflects his ability to create danger in different ways: stretching defensive lines with his acceleration, delivering from wide areas and finishing chances when opportunities appear. For Brugge, that variety gives the attack another dimension and makes the team less dependent on a single source of creativity.
Belgian newspapers responded warmly to his display against Lens. La Dernière Heure awarded him a 7.5 rating, noting that he came alive after half-time and became difficult to contain. The paper highlighted his assist for Seys’ goal to make it 2-0 and his own finish for the third. Het Nieuwsblad was even more generous, giving Forbs an eight for his performance.
A fresh chapter after a difficult Ajax spell
Forbs’ rise in Belgium carries added interest because his career has already included a high-profile move and a challenging period. Ajax signed him in the summer of 2022 for a reported €14 million, with then technical director Sven Mislintat bringing the Portuguese talent to Amsterdam. Forbs, however, struggled to establish himself in the Netherlands and did not find the consistency needed to become a regular difference-maker.
Two seasons ago, Ajax sold him to Club Brugge for a reported €6 million. The transfer gave the winger an opportunity to reset his career in a new environment, and his recent performances suggest that the move is proving beneficial. Brugge have provided him with a platform to use his speed and attacking instincts, while regular involvement appears to be helping him build confidence and rhythm.
That does not mean his progress should be judged on a handful of standout matches alone. Sustaining his influence across the season will be the next test, particularly as opponents begin preparing specifically to limit his runs and isolate him from the ball. Still, his combination of directness, improved team play and recent end product offers encouraging signs for both the player and the club.
What Forbs’ form could mean for Club Brugge
For Brugge, a winger in this kind of form can be especially valuable in European competition and domestic football. His ability to turn defence into attack with a quick run can force opponents to retreat, creating space for teammates such as Vanaken to operate. When defenders close him down, his crossing and passing can open up alternative routes to goal.
His development also strengthens the team’s options when matches become tight. Brugge had to work through a difficult first half against Lens before finding a breakthrough, but Forbs’ second-half energy helped transform the contest. That capacity to change the tempo is an important asset in games where opponents defend deep or try to disrupt the rhythm.
Looking ahead, the prediction for Forbs is that he will remain an important attacking figure if he can maintain this balance between individual threat and collective responsibility. Leko’s comments suggest the coaching staff value not only his moments of skill but also his defensive effort and commitment to the team. Those qualities can help turn a promising run of form into sustained influence.
For now, Forbs is enjoying a productive spell in Belgium. A goal and an assist against Lens, following three assists against Inter, have made him one of Club Brugge’s most closely watched players. His journey from a difficult Ajax experience to a growing role at Brugge is still unfolding, but his latest performances offer a compelling sign that he is finding the consistency and confidence needed to fulfil his potential.
