The contest for the 2025 Yashin Trophy is nearly at its climax, as 10 top goalkeepers have been proposed for the iconic award that honors the best goalkeeper in the world of football.
The award, which was inspired by a Soviet goalkeeper legend Lev Yashin, the only goalie who has ever received the Ballon d’Or and is thus, the trophy’s namesake. The first edition was initially given to Liverpool’s Alisson Becker in 2019.
The lineup of this season’s challengers is a mixture of seasoned veterans and new faces.
Twice champion Emiliano Martínez is leading again after aiding Aston Villa to finish sixth in the Premier League. He is accompanied by three other Premier League stars: Arsenal’s David Raya, Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels — both Golden Glove winners — and Liverpool’s Alisson, who came in second place in 2022.
PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma is most probably the favorite, after his major contribution to PSG’s Champions League success, especially with his penalty saves against Liverpool. Lucas Chevalier of Lille, who is rumored to join PSG, is the only additional representative for Ligue 1.
Another top-flight league representative in the men’s category is Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who is back after the injury that prevented him from playing last year and Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak, a former third-place finisher.
Next is Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer and Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal, who appeared very impressive during the Club World Cup, they make up the list of players nominated.
In the women’s category, Chiamaka Nnadozie from Nigeria receives the nomination after she made a great season with Paris FC and was transferred to Brighton this summer. Alongside her are Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar, Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, Barcelona’s Cata Coll and Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger.
The winners, of course, will be revealed at a gala later in the year — the famous Ballon d’Or ceremony.
This is the event where the most outstanding goalkeepers (both male and female) of the past year will be acknowledged for their brilliant performances in the nets.
