As the football world anticipates the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony, all attention is focused on the prestigious golden ball and the coveted Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world. Named after the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or, this award recognizes the most outstanding shot-stoppers of the year. Here are the 2023 Yashin Trophy nominees, all of whom have been instrumental for their clubs and countries.
The Nominees for the 2023 Yashin Trophy
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)
Despite suffering an ACL injury that sidelined him for a portion of 2023, Courtois' outstanding performances for Real Madrid in the first half of the year cannot be overlooked. His heroics in La Liga and the Champions League have once again reinforced his status as one of the world's elite goalkeepers.Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
The 2022 World Cup in Argentina saw Martínez emerge as a crucial player in their victorious campaign. His incredible save against France in the final's closing moments and his outstanding performance in the penalty shootout have made him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world.Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona, Germany)
In 2023, ter Stegen had an outstanding year, playing a crucial role in helping Barcelona win the La Liga title. His consistently exceptional performances, especially in close matches, have earned him a place among the world’s best. His series of clean sheets have made him one of the most difficult goalkeepers to score against.Mike Maignan (AC Milan, France)
Maignan has had a significant impact at AC Milan. Upon recovering from an injury, he played a crucial role in guiding the team to the semifinals of the Champions League. Renowned for his exceptional distribution skills and strong on-field presence, Maignan has established himself as a valuable asset for both his club and his national team. He has effectively taken over as France's number one goalkeeper from Hugo Lloris.Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
In 2023, Ederson achieved a historic treble at Manchester City, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. While he is known for his exceptional distribution and playmaking skills, his goalkeeping abilities, demonstrated by crucial saves during City’s Champions League campaign, make him a strong candidate for the Yashin Trophy.Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal, Morocco)
"Bounou's exceptional performances during Morocco's remarkable journey to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup brought him international attention. His outstanding goalkeeping skills were evident in Qatar. Despite his recent move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, his impressive World Cup displays and successful time at Sevilla make him a deserving nominee."Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal, England)
Ramsdale has been a revelation for Arsenal, helping the Gunners in the Premier League title race against Manchester City. His reflexes, confidence, and leadership from the back have been crucial to Arsenal’s resurgence. This has marked him as one of the standout keepers in English football.André Onana (Manchester United, Cameroon)
Onana's stock has risen considerably after a phenomenal campaign with Inter Milan. He played a crucial role in their journey to the Champions League final. Now with Manchester United, Onana is seen as a modern goalkeeper who excels with his feet and is fearless in one-on-one situations. His combination of agility and distribution has transformed the way his teams play.Dominik Livaković (Fenerbahçe, Croatia)
Croatia’s penalty shootout hero at the 2022 World Cup, Livaković, continues to be a strong presence for both his club and country. He is known for his exceptional skill in saving penalties and making crucial stops in high-pressure situations. Livaković's calm demeanor sets him apart as a standout performer on the biggest stages.Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund, Switzerland)
Kobel has been a crucial part of Dortmund’s push for the title in the Bundesliga. His strong presence in the goal, quick reflexes, and good decision-making have led to him being recognized as one of the top goalkeepers in European football. This has made him a surprise but deserving contender for the Yashin Trophy.
Key Moments that Define the Nominees
- Martínez's World Cup Brilliance: From penalty saves to last-minute stops, "Dibu" Martínez was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, leading to his iconic status.
- Maignan's Return to Form: After injury setbacks, Maignan's resurgence at AC Milan, especially in the Champions League, has solidified his status as one of Europe’s best.
- Ederson's Treble Triumph: With Manchester City securing the historic treble, Ederson's role as the last line of defense and his ball-playing skills were essential in Pep Guardiola’s tactical system.
Who Will Take Home the 2023 Yashin Trophy?
All the nominees have had exceptional years, but the competition is fierce, with many making a strong case for their claim to the title. Martínez’s World Cup heroics might give him the edge in the eyes of voters, while Ederson’s historic season with Manchester City makes him a favorite as well. However, dark horses like Bounou and Maignan could pull off a surprise, thanks to their individual brilliance in crucial moments.
When and Where to Watch the Yashin Trophy Presentation
The Yashin Trophy will be awarded during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which takes place on October 30, 2023. Fans worldwide can tune in to see if their favorite goalkeeper will be crowned the best in the world. Major broadcasters such as Eurosport, L’Équipe, and streaming services like YouTube will carry the live event. Stay updated with live coverage and behind-the-scenes moments on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
This year’s Yashin Trophy race is tighter than ever, and with so many standout goalkeepers in the mix, it promises to be an exciting night!
