2025 Ballon d'Or: Nnadozie battles Arsenal, Chelsea, Barca keepers for Women's Yashin Trophy

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy, a Ballon d’Or award recognizing the world’s best female goalkeeper. 

The 24-year-old joins a distinguished group of nominees unveiled on Thursday, including Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal).

Nnadozie’s nomination crowns an outstanding year for both club and country. 

She was instrumental in Nigeria’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Falcons claimed their 10th continental title with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the hosts in the final. 

Nnadozie recorded four clean sheets and conceded only twice in open play, performances that earned her the Best Goalkeeper award at the tournament.

Her club career also reached new heights. After a successful season with Paris FC in the French D1 Arkema—highlighted by a Coupe de France Féminine title and qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage—Nnadozie made history in June by signing for Brighton & Hove Albion. 

She became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to join an English Women’s Super League club.

In her final season in France, Nnadozie was named the 2024 UNFP Goalkeeper of the Season, the first African to receive the honor. 

Her penalty saves in the Coupe de France final shootout win over Paris Saint-Germain further cemented her reputation as one of the game’s elite shot-stoppers.

The 2025 Yachine Trophy ceremony will take place in Paris in September. Nnadozie’s nomination stands as a landmark moment for African football, celebrating her rise to global prominence.

Wale Adejumo

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