South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been nominated for the prestigious Best Goalkeeper Award at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, set to take place tonight at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The event, which celebrates the finest talents in football, marks the first edition under a new partnership between UEFA and France Football.
Williams, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, earned his spot among the world’s elite goalkeepers following a stellar year.
He was instrumental in guiding South Africa to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the national team secured a commendable third-place finish — their best performance in 24 years.
His remarkable displays between the posts were a key factor in his nomination, placing him among the top 10 goalkeepers globally.
The Contenders for the Best Goalkeeper Award
Williams will compete against some of the most renowned names in world football, including:
- Andriy Lunin (Ukraine) – Real Madrid’s shot-stopper
- Yann Sommer (Switzerland) – Goalkeeper for Inter Milan
- Mike Maignan (France) – Milan’s dependable last line of defense
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy) – Paris Saint-Germain’s formidable keeper
- Gregor Kobel (Switzerland) – Borussia Dortmund’s custodian
- Diogo Costa (Portugal) – Porto’s standout performer
- Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) – Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning hero
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia) – Valencia’s rising star
- Unai Simón (Spain) – The reliable goalkeeper of Athletic Bilbao
Williams’ inclusion on this prestigious list is a testament to his consistency, leadership, and outstanding performances throughout the year.
The South African goalkeeper hopes to make history as one of the few African players to receive such recognition on the global stage.
Ballon d’Or 2024 Ceremony: Schedule and Broadcast Details
The highly anticipated Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony is set to kick off at 9:00 PM (Egypt time) this evening.
Football fans across the globe can tune in to watch the event live on Saudi channel “SSC 4” and “BeIN Sports News,” which will both provide coverage of the proceedings.
As excitement builds, fans eagerly await to see whether Williams can achieve this remarkable feat and bring home the prestigious Best Goalkeeper title, cementing his place among football’s finest.
