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Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has once again placed African women’s football on the global stage after being named the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
The Super Falcons and Paris FC shot-stopper earned this recognition in the debut edition of the Women’s Yashin Trophy, an award introduced this year to honour the best female goalkeeper worldwide.
England’s Hannah Hampton, who plays for Chelsea FC, claimed the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy, capping off an exceptional year. The 24-year-old was a standout performer in England’s Euro 2025 championship triumph and played a central role in Chelsea’s domestic treble, securing 13 clean sheets and sharing the Women’s Super League Golden Glove.
Nnadozie’s inclusion among the world’s top four underlines her growing influence and reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable and commanding goalkeepers. She was ranked behind Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (2nd) and Spain’s Cata Coll (3rd), but ahead of several other elite goalkeepers from Europe and the Americas.
This achievement adds to the 23-year-old’s impressive career milestones. Nnadozie gained international acclaim during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she delivered a match-winning performance and was named Player of the Match in Nigeria’s shock victory over tournament co-hosts Australia.
Since joining Paris FC, Nnadozie has been a consistent presence in the French Division 1 Féminine, earning praise for her sharp reflexes, penalty-saving heroics, and leadership between the posts. Her latest global recognition reinforces her status as one of the continent’s brightest football exports.
The introduction of the Women’s Yashin Trophy marks a significant step toward recognising the growing impact of female goalkeepers in global football. Nnadozie’s ranking among the top four highlights Africa’s presence at the highest level and serves as inspiration for aspiring players across the continent.
Summary
- 🏆 Award: Women’s Yashin Trophy (Ballon d’Or 2025)
- 🌍 Ranking: 4th Best Goalkeeper in the World
- 👑 Winner: Hannah Hampton (England/Chelsea)
- 🥈 2nd: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany)
- 🥉 3rd: Cata Coll (Spain)
- ⭐ 4th: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Paris FC)