Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie nominated for inaugural Women’s Yachine Trophy

Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named among the five nominees for the 2025 Yachine Women’s Trophy, becoming one of the first female goalkeepers to be recognised since the prestigious award expanded to include a women’s category.

The Super Falcons and Brighton shot-stopper is part of a historic shortlist, as this marks the first time the Yachine Trophy—traditionally reserved for men—has opened its honours to women’s football.

The award, which recognises the best goalkeeper in the world regardless of league or nationality, is judged primarily on individual performance, impact, consistency, and fair play.

Nnadozie, 24, delivered an exceptional campaign across the 2024–2025 season. She started the year with Paris FC before securing a move to Brighton in July 2025.

Over the course of the season, she featured in 36 matches, conceding only 28 goals and recording an outstanding 22 clean sheets. Her performances reflected not only her sharp reflexes and decision-making but also a composed presence between the posts.

Her disciplinary record was equally impressive, with just two yellow cards and no dismissals—further highlighting her calm and calculated style of goalkeeping.

A commanding figure at the back, Nnadozie’s leadership from the goal line has become one of her most recognised traits both in club football and on the international stage.

The Nigerian international’s efforts were instrumental in helping her teams secure two major trophies during the season: the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and the Coupe de France during her time at Paris FC.

These accomplishments added weight to her nomination, as team success is also considered within the award’s evaluation criteria.

The shortlist for the women’s Yachine Trophy also includes four other standout performers: Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, Spain’s Cata Coll, England’s Hannah Hampton, and Daphné van Domselaar of the Netherlands.

While the primary focus of the award remains on individual brilliance and match-winning influence, a goalkeeper’s contribution to team success and their conduct on the field also play significant roles in determining the winner.

Nnadozie’s inclusion in the final five marks a significant moment not only in her own career but in the growing recognition of African women footballers at the global level.

Her consistent development and crucial saves in high-pressure moments have made her a standout name in women’s football over the past year.

The winner of the 2025 Yachine Women’s Trophy will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony later this year. Regardless of the final result, Nnadozie’s nomination stands as a milestone for Nigerian football and a testament to her rising influence in the sport.

Here are our 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy! ⤵️

Ann-Katrin Berger
Cata Coll
Hannah Hampton
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Daphne van Domselaar#ballondor pic.twitter.com/TuS8uXyD5x

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025