South Africa’s number one goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams has added to his growing list of achievements after it was announced on Wednesday, 04 September that the acrobatic shot-stopper has historically made the list of Goalkeeper of the Year nominees for world football’s most prestigious individual trophy, the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy.

Not only is this a first for Africa, but the Bafana Bafana skipper makes continental history as the first ever footballer playing in Africa to be nominated for the award.

As the only African based keeper, Williams made the list of 10 best shot-stoppers in the world which include current holder, Emiliano Martez (Argentina), Unai Simon (Spain) as well as Diogo Costa (Portugal) amongst others.

To date, African football icon George Weah remains the only African to be voted the best player in the world after winning the Ballon d’Or in 1995 ahead of Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann and Finland’s Jari Litman.

Weah was also the first non-European to win the award.  

Williams (32) has been on a meteoric rise since joining former African champions Mamelodi Sundowns from cross-town rivals and boyhood club, SuperSport United in July 2022.  

The Bafana Bafana skipper was a pivotal cog in Mamelodi Sundowns’ back-to-back titles since joining the club. A feat that elevated his place in the national team to being the number one goalkeeper.

The Gqeberha-born goalkeeper literally grabbed the challenge of being Hugo Broos’ trusted keeper with both hands, putting up undoubtedly one of the standout performances at the  CAF AFCON Cote d’Ivoire 2023, where he denied Cape Verde four times in a quarter-final penalty shootout.

Williams’ acrobatic and penalty saves also came to the fore in the third-place play-off against DR Congo where he saved two penalties to help his nation to a podium finish that was accompanied by him being voted the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the continental showpiece.  

The Sundowns keeper, who is currently out nursing a shoulder injury was also instrumental in Sundowns’ African Football League (AFL) triumph, playing a crucial role as the last line of defence in helping his side to their second continental trophy after their 2016 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League success.

The Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 28 October 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).

Vinicius Jr’s dazzling performances at Real Madrid have put the Brazilian forward in conversation to win his first Ballon d’Or and manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday the 23-year-old deserved to win the prestigious award.

Vinicius has netted five times and provided as many assists in the Champions League alone this season to help Madrid book a place in the final, while also scoring 13 goals in LaLiga, which they clinched for a record-extending 36th time last weekend.

The record 14-times European champions will take on German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.

“He’s doing a great job,” Ancelotti told reporters on the eve of Saturday’s league trip to relegation-threatened Granada.

“He’s still got the Champions League final to come and then he’ll be at the Copa America. He’s very close, and if he has positive results in both competitions, he could well win it (Ballon d’Or).

“Before I came to coach Madrid, I saw Vinicius on TV and I thought what an incredibly talented player he looked. When I arrived here, that much was clear, and he’s improved on many things to enhance that talent.

“He’s better at evading his markers now and has improved in front of goal as well. He’s done so with a spectacular work ethic on a daily basis, he’s focused in training and recovers well after matches.

“He’s a highly disciplined professional and he deserves everything he’s achieved.”

But Ancelotti said the rest of his squad have been just as important in a campaign where several key players at Madrid have suffered injuries.

Vinicius moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Brazil’s Flamengo in 2018.

“He’s among the best in the world and this is Vinicius’ moment because he brings us so much. He’s been important in us making the Champions League final and winning LaLiga. But we mustn’t forget how the others have contributed,” the Italian said.

“Madrid’s time is up until the first of June. After that, who knows, it might be Borussia’s moment.”

French defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt for the final after picking up an injury in their semi-final win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

“(Goalkeeper Thibaut) Courtois will play, as will (Eder) Militao. They both need the game time… (goalkeeper Andriy) Lunin has to be ready to play as well. That’s why I’ll have to assess the goalkeeping issue in the coming games,” Ancelotti said on team rotation.

“We’re not sure if Tchouameni will make it for the final but we’ll do all we can to see if he can recover. The rest will rotate, including (centre back Antonio) Rudiger and Nacho.”

-Reuters

Super Falcons and Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala, has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or Award in the Women’s Player of the Year category.

This nomination follows a remarkable season in which she showcased her exceptional talent, scoring 29 goals and providing 7 assists in 46 matches.

Oshoala’s outstanding performances also played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s triumphant campaign, securing titles such as the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup.

Oshoala finds herself in the esteemed company of fellow Barcelona Femeni stars, Mapi Leon, Aitana Bonmati, and Fridolina Rolfo, along with other standout talents from the women’s football world, including French stalwart Wendie Renard, England’s Mary Earps, prolific 26-year-old Jamaican and Manchester City Forward, Khadija Shaw, VFL Wolfsburg forward Alexandra Popp, Japanese midfielder Yui Hasegawa, Dutch midfielder Jill Roord, and England’s Rachael Daly.

“Our heartfelt congratulations to Asisat Oshoala for her outstanding achievements. It has been an incredible journey watching her grow and excel in the world of football. Plug Sports couldn’t be prouder of her remarkable talent and dedication. Asisat is a true inspiration, and her success is well-deserved,” Lanre Vigo, Head of Plug Sports commented on Oshoala’s nomination.

In addition to her on-field prowess, Asisat Oshoala’s contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. In July of this year, the 28-year-old Oshoala, also known as the Women’s African Player of the Year, was announced as one of the five nominees for the prestigious Socrates Award. This accolade was introduced in 2022 to recognize players for their outstanding charity work beyond the realm of football. Oshoala was nominated for her commendable efforts through the football academy she established in Nigeria, named after her.

Furthermore, Oshoala’s impact on the global stage was amplified during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where she made history by becoming the first African player to score in three Women’s World Cup tournaments. Her pivotal goal came during the Super Falcons’ victory against Australia, marking a significant achievement in her illustrious career.

As the football world eagerly anticipates the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Asisat Oshoala’s nomination is a testament to her exceptional skill, dedication to her community, and her historic achievements in the sport. She continues to inspire football enthusiasts across the globe, and her journey is a source of pride for both her home country, Nigeria, and the global football community.