Chiamaka Nnadozie, the 24-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper for the Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion, has expressed deep joy and gratitude after being nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy, an award given to the best female goalkeepers worldwide. Nnadozie is the first African goalkeeper to receive this nomination, highlighting her rise as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in women's football.
Her outstanding achievements over the past year include:
- Playing a crucial role in Paris FC’s Coupe de France Féminine title victory over Paris Saint-Germain with a key save in the penalty shootout.
- Winning the Golden Glove and being named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria clinched their 10th title.
- Earning back-to-back CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
- Securing a transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion as she continues to build her career in the English Women’s Super League.
Nnadozie posted a short video on the Super Falcons' official social media expressing that the nomination symbolizes the payoff for her dedication, hard work, consistency, and prayers. She considers this recognition a joyful milestone for herself and her family.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for September 22, 2025, in Paris, where Nnadozie will compete against other elite goalkeepers such as Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar.
This nomination not only marks a historic moment for Nnadozie personally but also represents growing recognition of Nigerian women's football on the global stage.