Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams earned recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the world, securing ninth place at the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
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Held in Paris, France, the event also saw Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez claim the coveted Yashin Trophy for the second year running.
Williams missed Sundowns’ weekend clash against Polokwane City, where his absence was felt as the team suffered their first league defeat of the season. The 32-year-old was selected among an elite group of goalkeepers celebrated for their standout performances during the 2023/24 season across both club and international levels.
The top three rankings for the Yashin Trophy featured Martinez in first place, followed by Spain’s Unai Simon in second, and Ukraine’s Andriy Lunin in third. Other high-ranking nominees included Gianluigi Donnarumma (4th), Mike Maignan (5th), and Yan Sommer (6th), with Williams securing ninth ahead of Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel (10th).
Williams enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 2023/24, making 46 appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns and clocking over 4 200 minutes between the sticks. His exceptional goalkeeping helped the team clinch their seventh consecutive league title. Conceding only 19 goals throughout the campaign, he racked up 30 clean sheets, which earned him both the AFL Goalkeeper of the Tournament and PSL Goalkeeper of the Season awards.
In February, Williams further cemented his reputation with a heroic display in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) quarter-final against Cape Verde. Saving four penalties during the shootout, he was instrumental in helping Bafana Bafana secure a bronze medal – their best result at the tournament in over two decades. His performances earned him the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, adding to an already impressive season.
The Yashin Trophy, named after the legendary Lev Yashin – the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or – recognises the world’s best goalkeepers. Previous winners include Martinez (2023), Thibaut Courtois (2022), and Gianluigi Donnarumma (2021).
Williams’ inclusion among the finalists has sparked conversation across the continent. Fans and analysts have debated whether the South African star’s ninth-place finish reflects his true impact. Many African football enthusiasts took to social media, expressing frustration with what they perceive as a pattern of under appreciation for African talent on international platforms.
Despite the mixed reactions, Williams has remained positive, emphasising the importance of the nomination for African football.
‘This is not just about me—it’s about representing South Africa and Africa at the highest level,’ Williams said. He hopes his recognition will open doors for future talent from African leagues to gain international acknowledgment.
Many question as to why it has taken so long for the country to be represented on such a global stage.
A key factor lies in the limited global exposure of African-based players. Despite South Africa’s strong domestic league, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) struggles to attract the same international attention as European competitions. Players in Europe tend to dominate the Ballon d’Or and its associated awards due to greater exposure, infrastructure, and competition levels. Even standout performances in CAF competitions often go under appreciated by global media and award committees.
Additionally, South Africa’s international football prominence has waned since the country’s peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, when Bafana Bafana won the 1996 AFCON and competed in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Recent struggles to qualify for major tournaments have made it harder for South African players to be recognised on an international scale.
The nomination of Williams, however, signals a turning point. His exceptional performances for club and country – particularly leading Sundowns to continental success – demonstrate that the talent exists, even if it often goes unnoticed. The recognition also points to a gradual shift, where performances in Africa and other under-represented football regions are starting to gain more acknowledgement.
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