Snl24 | Williams Falls Just Short Of FIFA The Best GK Nomination

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 26: Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Maniema Union at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams enjoyed a remarkable 2024, but narrowly missed out on a spot in the final nominations for the prestigious FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award.

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The 32-year-old was initially named among the preliminary candidates, a reflection of his standout performances for both club and country.

Williams’ exceptional form, particularly in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), played a pivotal role in securing South Africa’s bronze medal in Ivory Coast.

Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, Williams was instrumental in the team’s defensive solidity, delivering crucial saves throughout the tournament. His leadership on the field further highlighted his importance to both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana.

However, despite his stellar year, in which he ranked ninth overall for the Yachine award, Williams was not included in the final list of nominees for the FIFA award.

The final contenders included top international goalkeepers such as Andriy Lunin, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya, Unai Simon, Ederson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Mike Maignan.

Notably, Williams is included for fans to vote for a goalkeeper in the Fifa Best XI team selection prize. 

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Although Williams’ exclusion from the final goalkeeper shortlist may be seen as a disappointment, his performances over the last two years solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.

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