Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned global recognition by being ranked fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Awards, finishing behind Hannah Hampton, Ann‑Katrin Berger, and Cata Coll.
Nnadozie narrowly missed out on winning the prestigious Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards on Monday night, with England’s Hannah Hampton ultimately claiming the honour.
Hampton, the England and Chelsea star, made history by winning the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy. Her outstanding season packed with clean sheets, domestic trophies, and a pivotal role in England’s triumph at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, set her apart.
Nnadozie, who has had a stellar year for both Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Paris FC, was shortlisted among the top five female goalkeepers in the world. She became the first Nigerian woman to ever be nominated for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best female goalkeeper in the world, following her heroic performances in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and a strong season in French domestic football.
Despite her achievements, it was Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton who scooped the award after an exceptional season where she helped the Blues to a domestic treble and played a key role in England’s triumph at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Hampton’s contributions, including penalty saves in the final against Spain, ultimately tipped the scale in her favour.
For Nnadozie, however, the nomination itself is a monumental milestone. The 24-year-old shot-stopper played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 11th WAFCON title win earlier this year, delivering clean sheets throughout the tournament and making crucial saves in penalty shootouts. She also claimed the Golden Glove at the tournament and recently completed a transfer to Brighton and Hove Albion Women in the English Women’s Super League.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Nnadozie said:
“This nomination means a lot to me. It is a recognition of my hard work, consistency, and prayers. I may not have won it today, but I know Nigeria is proud, and I’m just getting started.”— Chiamaka Nnadozie
Her words echo the sentiments of many Nigerian football fans, who have taken to social media to celebrate her historic recognition and applaud her impact. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), former Super Falcons legends, and teammates also congratulated her, calling her “a pride of Africa.”
This nomination adds to a growing list of Nigerian players gaining international acclaim, as the Super Falcons continue to reassert themselves as a dominant force both on the continent and globally.
While Hampton deservedly takes home the award, Nnadozie’s presence among the world’s elite goalkeepers reinforces a new era for Nigerian women’s football – one in which our stars are not only present but competing shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
As the 2025/26 club season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Nnadozie, who will look to build on her growing legacy and perhaps go one step further at next year’s awards.
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