Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned global recognition after finishing fourth in the inaugural Women’s Yachine Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Awards. The prestigious award, newly introduced to honor the world’s top female goalkeepers, saw Nnadozie ranked among the elite, making her the first African to be nominated for the accolade.
The ceremony, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrated the finest talents in women’s football. England’s Hannah Hampton claimed the top spot, followed by Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Spain’s Cata Coll. Nnadozie edged out Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to complete the top five2.
Nnadozie’s rise has been meteoric. At just 24, she has already been named CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year twice and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Her standout performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, including a match-winning display against hosts Australia, further cemented her reputation as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the game.
Currently playing for Brighton Ladies in England, Nnadozie continues to inspire a new generation of African footballers. Her recognition on the global stage is not just a personal milestone but a powerful statement about the growing influence of African women in international football.
