South Africa’s star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made continental history on Wednesday, 04 September, by becoming the first footballer based in Africa to be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy.
The Bafana Bafana captain was named among the 10 best goalkeepers in the world, making him the only African-based player on the list.
Williams’ nomination is a groundbreaking achievement, marking the first time an African goalkeeper playing on the continent has been considered for this award.
The Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper, includes top names like defending champion Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Unai Simon (Spain), and Diogo Costa (Portugal).
The 32-year-old shot-stopper has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Mamelodi Sundowns from SuperSport United in July 2022.
His commanding performances have been crucial in helping Sundowns secure back-to-back domestic titles, further cementing his status as South Africa’s number one goalkeeper. Williams’ stellar displays for the national team have also been instrumental in his historic nomination.
At the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, Williams delivered one of his finest performances, denying Cape Verde four times in a penalty shootout during the quarterfinals.
His heroics continued in the third-place play-off against DR Congo, where he saved two penalties, earning him the title of Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Williams has also been key to Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental success, playing a crucial role in their African Football League (AFL) triumph, adding to the club’s 2016 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League victory.
Currently recovering from a shoulder injury, Williams will await the results of the Ballon d’Or awards, scheduled for Monday, 28 October 2024. His nomination places him alongside legendary African footballer George Weah, the only African to ever win the Ballon d’Or, when he claimed the title in 1995.
This recognition of Williams not only highlights his individual brilliance but also shines a spotlight on African-based talent on the global stage.
2024 Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy Nominees: Diogo Costa (Portugal), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Gregor Kobel (Switzerland), Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Mike Maignan (France), Giorgi Mamarsdashvili (Georgia), Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Unai Simon (Spain), Yann Sommer (Switzerland), Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
