Dilane Bakwa is a French professional footballer who plays as a winger for Nottingham Forest. Known for his speed, close control and direct runs, he developed at Bordeaux before moving to Strasbourg and then joining Forest on a five-year contract in September 2025. He has also represented France at several youth levels, including the under-21 team.
Quick Bio of Dilane Bakwa
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dilane Bakwa |
| Date of birth | August 26, 2002 |
| Age in July 2026 | 23 years old |
| Birthplace | Créteil, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Family background | Congolese heritage |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Current club | Nottingham Forest |
| Shirt number | 29 |
| Main position | Right winger |
| Other role | Wide forward |
| Former clubs | Bordeaux and Strasbourg |
| Contract | Until summer 2030 |
| Youth international team | France |
| Height | Widely listed at around 1.80 metres |
| Premier League debut season | 2025/26 |
His birth date, nationality, current club, number and forward position are confirmed by the Premier League and Nottingham Forest. Public player databases commonly list him at around 1.80 metres, although height figures differ slightly between sources.
Who Is Dilane Bakwa?
Dilane Bakwa is an attacking footballer who usually plays on the right side.
He likes to receive the ball near the touchline before moving toward the penalty area. His quick feet allow him to change direction, beat defenders and create space for a shot or final pass.
Although he starts many attacks from the right, he does not always stay wide.
Bakwa can move into central areas, combine with midfielders and create chances for strikers. Nottingham Forest describes him as a forward who mainly operates from the right side.
His playing style is built around movement and confidence.
He is most dangerous when he has room to run at a defender rather than waiting inside the penalty area for the ball.
How Old Is Dilane Bakwa?
Dilane Bakwa was born on August 26, 2002.
He is 23 years old in July 2026 and will celebrate his 24th birthday on August 26, 2026.
Bakwa was still a teenager when he made his senior debut for Bordeaux.
By the age of 23, he had already played in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, the Premier League and the Europa League.
That experience is important because wide attackers often need time to improve their decision-making.
A young winger may be able to dribble past defenders, but creating goals regularly requires better timing, movement and awareness.
Where Was Dilane Bakwa Born?
Bakwa was born in Créteil, a town in the southeastern suburbs of Paris.
He grew up in France and developed through French youth football. Public biographies also connect his family background with Congo, giving him both French and Congolese heritage.
He began playing at local youth clubs before joining the respected Bordeaux academy.
France has produced many fast and technically strong wide players through its academy system.
Bakwa followed that path by learning the game at youth level before gradually entering senior football.
Where Did Bakwa Begin Playing Football?
Bakwa played youth football for Boissy before entering Bordeaux’s academy.
He joined Bordeaux’s development system in his early teenage years and later progressed into the reserve and senior teams. The club gave him his first professional contract in 2019.
Bordeaux has a long history of developing young players.
Training there helped Bakwa improve several parts of his game:
- Ball control
- Dribbling
- Attacking movement
- Passing
- Tactical discipline
- Defensive pressing
- Playing against stronger adults
Moving from youth football into a professional first team is never simple.
The matches become faster, opponents become more physical and every mistake receives more attention.
When Did Dilane Bakwa Make His Professional Debut?
Bakwa made his senior Bordeaux debut on September 27, 2020.
He came on during a Ligue 1 match against Nice, which ended in a goalless draw. He was 18 years old at the time.
His early senior appearances were limited.
Bordeaux still had experienced attacking players, so Bakwa needed to compete for minutes while continuing his development.
He gained more responsibility after the club experienced financial and sporting problems.
That difficult period gave young players a chance to prove themselves.
What Happened to Bordeaux?
Bordeaux suffered relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of the 2021/22 season.
The club then competed in Ligue 2 while facing serious financial problems. For Bakwa, the lower division provided regular playing time and a larger attacking role.
He began showing why coaches had trusted him from a young age.
Bakwa’s pace and ability to carry the ball helped Bordeaux move quickly from defence to attack.
He scored his first professional goal against Rodez in August 2022 as Bordeaux won 3–0.
The 2022/23 season became his true breakthrough.
He was no longer only a promising academy player. He had become one of Bordeaux’s most useful attacking options.
Why Did Strasbourg Sign Dilane Bakwa?
Strasbourg signed Bakwa in August 2023.
He agreed to a four-year contract after leaving Bordeaux and returned to Ligue 1 football.
The move gave him an important opportunity.
Strasbourg wanted young players who could develop while competing at the highest level in France.
Bakwa already understood French football, but he now needed to perform against stronger defenders every week.
He joined Strasbourg alongside fellow Bordeaux talent Junior Mwanga.
Both players represented the type of young, high-potential footballers Strasbourg wanted to build around.
How Did Bakwa Perform for Strasbourg?
Bakwa became an important attacking player during his two seasons with Strasbourg.
He made 64 league appearances and scored 10 goals before moving to England.
His first Strasbourg goal came against Lorient in December 2023.
During the following season, he became more productive and more confident in attacking areas. He scored, created chances and became known for driving directly at defenders.
His 2024/25 performances attracted particular attention.
Reports credited him with six league goals, eight assists and one of Ligue 1’s strongest successful-dribbling totals during that campaign. Those figures helped create interest from Premier League clubs.
Strasbourg also competed for European qualification.
The team’s progress gave Bakwa experience in matches where the pressure and expectations were much higher.
What Makes Bakwa a Dangerous Dribbler?
Bakwa attacks defenders with purpose.
Some wingers use skills mainly to entertain. Bakwa normally tries to use a dribble to move closer to goal, open a passing lane or force a defender into a mistake.
His main dribbling strengths include:
- Fast first steps
- Sudden changes of direction
- Strong close control
- Confidence in one-against-one situations
- The ability to protect the ball while moving
- Sharp cuts toward the middle
A defender facing Bakwa must decide whether to move close or remain deeper.
Standing too far away gives him space to build speed. Moving too close may allow him to push the ball past and run into open space.
That difficult choice is what makes direct wingers useful.
When Did Dilane Bakwa Join Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest completed the signing of Bakwa on September 1, 2025.
He joined from Strasbourg on the final day of the summer transfer window and signed a five-year deal. The contract is expected to keep him at the City Ground until the summer of 2030.
Forest did not announce the exact transfer fee in its official statement.
Media reports placed the deal at around €35 million, but that figure should be treated as a reported amount rather than a club-confirmed price.
Bakwa was the club’s final signing of a busy summer window.
The move represented a major step in his career because he was leaving French football for the Premier League.
Why Did Nottingham Forest Want Bakwa?
Forest wanted another fast and creative option for its attack.
The team needed players who could carry the ball forward, beat a defender and create chances from wide areas.
Bakwa arrived after producing his strongest senior season at Strasbourg. His age also meant Forest could sign a useful first-team player who still had room to improve.
The move offered Forest several benefits:
- A direct right-sided attacker
- Strong dribbling ability
- Experience in Ligue 1
- Youth international experience
- The potential to improve
- A player able to create and score
- Competition for attacking places
Forest’s official profile describes him as a left-footed forward who mainly plays from the right.
This allows him to cut inside toward goal rather than always crossing from the touchline.
Is Dilane Bakwa Left-Footed or Right-Footed?
There is a public disagreement about his preferred foot.
Nottingham Forest’s official profile calls him a left-footed forward, which fits his common role as a right winger cutting inside. However, the Premier League profile currently lists his preferred foot as right.
Player databases also disagree.
Some list him as left-footed, while others say right-footed.
Match footage shows that he can use both feet during attacks, although he often looks comfortable moving inside from the right.
The safest description is that Bakwa is a technically flexible winger, while official public profiles do not fully agree on his preferred foot.
What Number Does Dilane Bakwa Wear?
Bakwa wears the number 29 shirt for Nottingham Forest.
The Premier League and UEFA both list him with that number.
He previously wore number 26 at Strasbourg.
Shirt numbers do not decide a player’s role, but number 29 is now connected with the beginning of his English career.
How Did Bakwa Perform in His First Premier League Season?
Bakwa’s first Premier League season was a period of adjustment.
Recent statistical records list him with 11 league appearances, two assists and no goals by April 2026. He played just over 550 league minutes, meaning many of his appearances came from the bench or in limited periods.
He also missed part of the season with a muscle injury during the autumn of 2025.
These numbers do not tell the full story.
Joining the Premier League requires a player to adjust to:
- Faster defensive pressure
- Greater physical strength
- Less time on the ball
- New teammates
- A new language and city
- Different tactical demands
- More competition for places
Some players make an instant impact.
Others need a full season before their best qualities appear regularly.
Did Bakwa Play in European Competition?
Yes.
Bakwa was included in Nottingham Forest’s Europa League squad and appeared during the club’s 2025/26 European campaign. UEFA records show him involved in matches against teams including Real Betis, Ferencváros, Midtjylland and Porto.
Forest progressed deep into the tournament and reached the semi-final stage.
Playing in Europe gave Bakwa valuable experience against clubs with different styles.
European matches can be slower and more tactical than Premier League games, but they also demand careful decisions because one mistake may change an entire knockout tie.
Has Dilane Bakwa Played for France?
Bakwa has represented France at youth level.
He played for the French under-16 and under-17 teams before later reaching the under-21 side.
He was part of France’s squad at the 2019 European Under-17 Championship.
France reached the semi-finals before losing to Italy.
Bakwa made his France Under-21 debut against Slovenia in 2024.
He was later selected for the 2025 European Under-21 Championship squad but withdrew because of an adductor injury.
As of July 2026, he has not made his senior France debut.
Could Bakwa Play International Football for Congo?
Bakwa’s family background may make him eligible for a Congolese national team, depending on the exact citizenship and international rules involved.
However, his confirmed international appearances have come for France’s youth teams.
Youth appearances do not always permanently decide a player’s senior international future.
Still, no senior switch should be treated as confirmed unless the player or a football association announces it.
For now, the accurate description is that he is a French youth international with Congolese heritage.
What Position Is Best for Bakwa?
His natural role appears to be right winger.
From that position, he can receive the ball wide and attack the left-back.
He may then:
- Continue down the outside
- Cut inside toward goal
- Play a short pass into midfield
- Send a low ball across the box
- Shoot from the edge of the area
He can also operate as a wide forward in a front three.
Using him too deep may reduce his influence because his main strengths appear when he faces defenders and has space to run.
What Does Bakwa Need to Improve?
Bakwa already has the physical and technical tools to trouble defenders.
The next stage is becoming more consistent.
He can improve through:
- Better final passes
- More accurate shooting
- Smarter movement without the ball
- Stronger defensive positioning
- Faster decisions
- Greater physical strength
- Staying fit for longer periods
This is normal for a winger in his early twenties.
Dribbling attracts attention, but goals and assists decide whether an attacker becomes a regular starter.
He must learn when to take on a defender and when to release the ball quickly.
How Tall Is Dilane Bakwa?
Most public football databases list Bakwa at around 1.80 metres, or approximately 5 feet 11 inches.
However, some sources give slightly different figures, including 1.77, 1.78 or 1.79 metres. No easily available Nottingham Forest or Premier League biography currently provides a clearly verified measurement.
The safest answer is that he is around 1.80 metres tall.
His playing style depends more on balance, speed and close control than unusual height.
Is Dilane Bakwa Married?
No dependable public source clearly confirms that Bakwa is married.
He keeps his personal and romantic life away from most football reporting.
Social-media rumours should not be treated as proof of a wife or girlfriend.
Unless Bakwa speaks publicly about a relationship, articles should focus on his documented football career rather than inventing private details.
What Is Dilane Bakwa’s Net Worth?
Bakwa’s exact net worth is not publicly known.
Football websites sometimes estimate a player’s wealth using reported transfer fees, wages and market value. These calculations cannot reveal personal savings, taxes, investments, debts or expenses.
The reported transfer price paid by Nottingham Forest went to Strasbourg, not directly into Bakwa’s personal bank account.
He earns money through his professional contract and possible commercial deals, but his complete financial position remains private.
What Could Happen Next in Bakwa’s Career?
The 2026/27 season could become an important period for him.
His first year in England gave him experience but limited league minutes. The next challenge is earning more starts and producing goals regularly.
A successful second season could establish him as an important Premier League winger.
His long contract gives him time.
Forest signed him until 2030, showing that the club viewed him as more than a short-term option.
Transfer rumours may continue whenever he is not starting.
Still, his confirmed position remains as a Nottingham Forest player unless the club announces a move.
Final Thoughts
Dilane Bakwa has already experienced several major changes in a short career.
He developed through Bordeaux’s academy and made his senior debut at only 18.
Bordeaux’s relegation gave him the chance to play regularly in Ligue 2. His speed, dribbling and attacking confidence then earned him a move to Strasbourg in 2023.
Two seasons in Ligue 1 helped him become a more complete winger.
His strong 2024/25 campaign attracted interest from England, and Nottingham Forest signed him on a five-year contract in September 2025.
His first Premier League season included assists, European football and a difficult injury period.
He did not immediately become a regular starter, but young players often need time to adjust to English football.
Bakwa’s strongest qualities remain clear.
He can move quickly, attack defenders and carry the ball into dangerous areas. The next step is turning those exciting moments into regular goals and assists.
At 23, he still has time to develop.
His career at Nottingham Forest may depend on consistency, fitness and better decisions in the final third. If those areas improve, he has the tools to become a dangerous Premier League attacker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dilane Bakwa?
Dilane Bakwa is a French professional winger who plays for Nottingham Forest.
How old is Dilane Bakwa?
He is 23 years old in July 2026.
When is Dilane Bakwa’s birthday?
His birthday is August 26.
Where was Dilane Bakwa born?
He was born in Créteil, France.
What nationality is Dilane Bakwa?
He is French and has Congolese family heritage.
Which club does Dilane Bakwa play for?
He plays for Nottingham Forest.
When did Bakwa join Nottingham Forest?
He joined the club on September 1, 2025.
How long is his Nottingham Forest contract?
He signed a five-year contract running until summer 2030.
What number does Bakwa wear?
He wears number 29 for Nottingham Forest.
What position does Dilane Bakwa play?
He mainly plays as a right winger or wide forward.
Is Dilane Bakwa left-footed?
Nottingham Forest describes him as left-footed, while the Premier League profile currently lists him as right-footed. Public sources do not fully agree.
How tall is Dilane Bakwa?
He is widely listed at around 1.80 metres, or about 5 feet 11 inches.
Which clubs has Bakwa played for?
He has played for Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Nottingham Forest.
When did Bakwa make his professional debut?
He made his Bordeaux debut in September 2020 against Nice.
How many goals did he score for Strasbourg?
Career records list him with 10 league goals in 64 appearances for Strasbourg.
Did Bakwa play in the Europa League?
Yes. He represented Nottingham Forest in the 2025/26 Europa League.
Has Bakwa played for France?
He has represented France at under-16, under-17 and under-21 levels.
Has he played for the senior France team?
No senior France appearance had been recorded as of July 2026.
Is Dilane Bakwa married?
His marital status has not been confirmed through a dependable public source.
What is Dilane Bakwa’s net worth?
His exact net worth is private and has not been reliably verified.
What is Bakwa best known for?
He is known for his speed, close control, dribbling and direct attacking runs.
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