Ronwen Williams leads Ballon d’Or Yachine trophy voting

Ronwen Williams

Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has made history by leading the fan voting for the prestigious Yachine Trophy.

As of 12h00 on Tuesday, Williams commanded an impressive 68.8% of the votes, significantly ahead of Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, who stood at just 13.1%.

Nominated in September, Williams became the first goalkeeper from an African club to receive this honour.

His recognition comes on the heels of an outstanding performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for South Africa.

His exceptional shot-stopping and leadership qualities were instrumental in helping Bafana Bafana navigate a tough tournament.

The 68th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place on October 28 at the iconic Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.

Williams’ nomination not only highlights his individual talent but also shines a spotlight on African football’s growing prominence on the global stage.

As fans rally behind him, Williams remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring goalkeepers across the continent.