Nnadozie revels Ballon d’Or nomination, breaks new ground for African goalkeepers

Historic Recognition

Super Falcons star and Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is celebrating a landmark achievement after being shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or and the prestigious Yachine Trophy for best women’s goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old has become the first African goalkeeper ever nominated for the women’s Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy, joining an elite list that includes Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, Arsenal duo Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey, as well as Spain’s Cata Coll and Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger.

“A Miracle for Me”

For Nnadozie, the recognition represents more than personal glory. Speaking to the BBC, she described her nomination as a miracle and a statement of hope for African footballers.

“It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past has been worth it,” she said. “The world has been watching. It will make a very big impact in Africa because we have so many good players, and they just need the opportunity to show what they can really do.”

A Remarkable Summer

The nomination caps a standout summer for Nnadozie. She helped Nigeria clinch a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July, before sealing a high-profile move from Paris FC to Brighton in the Women’s Super League.

Having already won back-to-back CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards, Nnadozie now stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world, underlining her status as one of football’s brightest talents and a trailblazer for African women’s football.

Rising to Stardom

At just 19, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named to the Super Falcons squad for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Thrown into the global spotlight, she became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at the tournament after Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over South Korea.

Following the World Cup, she inspired the Falconets to gold at the African Games in Morocco, saving three penalties in a shootout against Cameroon.

Leading the Super Falcons

By June 2023, Nnadozie had cemented her status as Nigeria’s number one and was included in the 23-player squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Wearing the captain’s armband in the opening game against Olympic champions Canada, she produced a heroic display — making three crucial saves, including a penalty stop against Christine Sinclair. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award and international acclaim.

In 2024, she was called up for the Paris Summer Olympics, further underlining her importance to the national team.

Continental Dominance

The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco marked another high point. Named in Nigeria’s final 23-player squad, she helped the Super Falcons to their record-extending 10th WAFCON crown. Her outstanding performances earned her the Best Goalkeeper award of the tournament.

Honours and Recognition

In recognition of her contributions, Nnadozie was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, alongside $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope Estate in Abuja.