Ronwen Williams places ninth for Yashin Trophy at Ballon d’Or awards

The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was the first South African to be nominated for the prestigious trophy and the first goalkeeper to be nominated while playing for an African club.

He ultimately ended in ninth place behind winner Emiliano Martínez and runners-up Unai Simon, Andriy Lunin, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mike Maignan, Yann Sommer, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Diogo Costa, but ahead of Gregor Kobel.  

Williams has a few more awards to potentially look forward to after he was nominated for three accolades at the upcoming Confederation of African football awards, including African Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the year.

Williams was delighted to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy even if he didn't win.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be recognised amongst the greats," he said on IOL.

"It's a massive achievement, I still get goosebumps. Hopefully this will open more doors for South Africans and Africans to get the recognition."

On whether or not he looks up to other keepers from around the world, Williams added: "Definitely. They're playing at the highest level, the most prestigious tournaments.

"I try and copy them and see how they stay at the highest level. I just try be on their level."

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