Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is looking forward to sharing the stage with the best in the world at the Ballon d’Or awards.
The Ballon d’Or gala will take place on Monday October 28 when the world’s best will gather in Paris for the crowning moment of the finest of them all in 2024 and Williams has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world.
As he looks forward to travelling at the weekend, there are mixed feelings for Williams, who believes his presence will be enough testament that players based in Africa are as good as the rest in the world, and can be the catalyst for more such recognition on the continent.
Williams hopes Ballon d’Or nod will have impact in Africa
“I am excited and happy but a little disappointed,” Williams told SuperSport TV.
“Obviously I will be missing one or two games but it is a positive not only for me but for Africa as a whole to inspire and to be in the conversation.
“I am just glad and I can’t wait to leave at the weekend. It is a massive achievement for me but not only for me but for the continent of Africa.
“This is going to give us bigger dreams now, we can be in the conversation and amongst the elite so hopefully it will open doors for more African players to be part of the discussion.”
Bafana Bafana skipper is up against top keepers in the world
Williams is nominated alongside Emiliano Martinez of Argentina and Aston Villa, Diogo Costa of FC Porto and Portugal, Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain and Italy and Frenchman Mike Maignan, who plays for AC Milan.
Other Yashin Trophy nominees are Giorgi Mamardashvili from Georgia, who plays for Valencia but will join Liverpool in July 2025, Ukrainian Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund.
