The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper is up against top shot stoppers in the world
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Award, being in the category of the top 10 best goalkeepers in the world.
Williams was nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper and he is up against top goalkeepers such as Diogo Costa of FC Porto and Portugal, Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain and Italy and Frenchman Mike Maignan, who plays for AC Milan.
Why has Bafana Bafana goalkeeper been nominated?
Other nominees are Emilian Martinez of Argentina and Aston Villa, Giorgi Mamardashvili from Georgia, who recently left Valencia for Liverpool, Ukrainian Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund.
Williams becomes the first-ever South African player nominated for the prestigious award and it comes after his starring role for Bafana Bafana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Mamelodi Sundowns custodian was voted the best goalkeeper at AFCON 2023 for his heroics, which included saving a record four penalties in a game against Cape Verde, and two against DR Congo as Hugo Broos’ men went on to finish third, their best ever performance at the tournament in 24 years.
Williams could join an exclusive club of Yashin Trophy winners
The Yashin Trophy is named after former Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin, with the winner selected by ex-Ballon d’Or winners since its creation in 2019.
Williams would join an exclusive club if he won the trophy with Alisson (2019), Donnarumma (2021), Thibaut Courtois (2022) and Martinez (2023), claiming the last four awards.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Paris on October 28.
