Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams leads the voting poll for the Yashin Trophy. Photo: Sia KAMBOU / AFP
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is currently leading the English fan voting poll for the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards.
Williams has made history as the first African goalkeeper nominated for the prestigious award while playing on the continent.
Thousands of South Africans, including Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, have voted for the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper. The minister has urged South Africans to continue voting for Williams, emphasising that he is the best goalkeeper in the world.
His nomination follows his outstanding performances for Bafana Bafana during the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a third-place finish.
Williams also showcased his skills for Mamelodi Sundowns, contributing to the club's triumphs in both the African Football League and the DStv Premiership (now known as the Betway Premiership) last season.
Currently, Williams leads the English voting with 67.6% of the votes, followed by Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin at 15.2%, while previous winner Emiliano Martínez in third place with 10.5% of the votes.
However, while Williams is dominating the English voting, he faces challenges in the French poll, and is currently outside the top five.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan leads that voting poll with 39.4%, closely followed by Lunin at 17.6%, with Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simón in third place.
If Williams emerges victorious, he will become the first South African to win this award.
The winner of the award will be announced on October 28 at the awards ceremony, with South Africans hoping Williams can make history.
IOL Sport