The Ballon d’Or awards have been announced. Contrary to expectations, the winner was not the favorite, Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior, but Spanish Manchester City player Rodri. In protest of the decision, Real Madrid players did not attend the award ceremony.
Among African players, the highest-ranked name in the list of the world’s best players was Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta player had secured a UEFA Cup victory for his team last year with a stunning hat-trick. This achievement propelled him to be ranked as the 14th best player in the world.
South Africa’s national team goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, had been nominated for the Best Goalkeeper award thanks to his outstanding performances throughout the year.
This was a first in South African history. However, the experienced goalkeeper finished ninth in the Yashin Trophy, the award for the best goalkeeper. The top spot went to Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
After South Africa’s third-place finish in the last AFCON tournament, Ronwen Williams had also won the Best Goalkeeper award for the tournament. Commenting on his Ballon d’Or nomination this year, Williams said:
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be recognized amongst the greats,”
“It’s a massive achievement, I still get goosebumps. Hopefully, this will open more doors for South Africans and Africans to get the recognition they deserve.
