Ronwen Williams: Can He Make History At The Ballon D'Or Awards?

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

Ronwen Williams is making waves as he becomes the first African to be shortlisted for the prestigious Yashin Trophy this year.
This South African international is one of ten goalkeepers vying for the top honor at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Williams earned the Golden Glove at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, solidifying his status as a top-tier goalkeeper.

Hey there, sports fans! Let’s talk about something truly remarkable happening in the world of soccer. Ronwen Williams, the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, might just be on the brink of making history. The guy has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy, which is no small feat. This award recognizes the best goalkeeper in the game, and Williams is one of only ten elite goalkeepers in the running for it. But here's the kicker: he's the first African to ever be nominated. That's a big deal, and we’re about to dive into why he has a real shot at taking home the trophy.

Williams, a star player for Mamelodi Sundowns, has already made history by being the first goalkeeper from Africa to even get a nod for the Ballon d'Or. This alone is a massive achievement, but his journey is far from over. He’s now competing against some of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his chances are looking pretty good.

Ronwen Williams receives the Golden Glove award from President of FIFA Gianni Infantino during the prize-giving ceremony at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Photo: Daniel Beloumou Olomo. Source: Getty Images

Why Ronwen Williams Could Win the Yashin Trophy

So, why does Williams have a real shot at this award? Well, let me tell you, his performances this year have been nothing short of spectacular. In an exclusive interview with KickOff, Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson shared some insights into what makes Williams stand out among the competition. Johnson emphasized that just being nominated for the Ballon d'Or is a huge deal, but Williams isn’t just there to make up the numbers. He’s there to compete.

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Let’s break it down. Williams was nominated alongside some of the biggest names in goalkeeping, including Unai Simon, Mike Maignan, Yann Sommer, Andriy Lunin, Emiliano Martinez, Diogo Costa, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Gregor Kobel. That’s a tough lineup, but Williams has an edge, and it comes from his stellar performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

"Firstly, I don't think people realize how huge it is to be nominated for a Ballon d'Or award," the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach said.

"Ronwen has been nominated, with the opportunity to be the number one goalkeeper in the world."

According to Johnson, Williams’ heroics at the AFCON tournament earlier this year were nothing short of legendary. His performance earned him the Golden Glove award, and it’s that kind of dominance that could tip the scales in his favor when it comes to winning the Yashin Trophy. Johnson believes that Williams deserves to be there and has a very real chance of taking home the award.

"After Ronwen's heroics at the AFCON tournament in January this year, he deserves to be there and has a very good chance of winning the prestigious Yashin trophy."

Who is Ronwen Williams, Anyway?

From Port Elizabeth to the World Stage

Now, let’s get to know the man behind the gloves. Ronwen Williams is a South African PSL legend, celebrated for his incredible goalkeeping skills. Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, specifically in the Gelvandale neighborhood, Williams grew up in a household where soccer was practically a religion. His mother, a former striker for Shutterproof Women FC, continued playing soccer well into her pregnancy with Ronwen, stopping only when she was five months along. Talk about dedication!

Williams often credits his father as his first coach and his uncle, also a goalkeeper, as a major source of inspiration. It’s clear that soccer runs deep in his family, and it’s no surprise that he’s risen to become one of the best in his position. His journey from Gelvandale to the world stage is nothing short of inspiring.

Williams’ Market Value and Rankings

When it comes to the numbers, Williams’ career trajectory is impressive. His market value has steadily increased over the years, starting at €200,000 in 2012 and currently sitting at €1.00 million, with projections suggesting it could rise to €1.40 million by 2024. Globally, he ranks 6,934 among all players, while in the Betway Premiership, he stands at 26. Within his club, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, he’s ranked 12, and among players from South Africa, he holds the 27th position. As a goalkeeper, he’s ranked 428 among all players. These numbers show just how far he’s come and how much potential he still has.

Williams Shows Off His Skills Against SuperSport

Briefly News recently highlighted an incredible moment where Williams showcased his sublime skills during a Premier Soccer League match against SuperSport United. The move left a SuperSport star utterly embarrassed, and it generated quite a buzz on social media. Fans were divided, with some praising Williams’ audacity and others questioning his decision-making. But one thing’s for sure—Williams isn’t afraid to take risks and make a statement on the field.