Ronwen Williams reacts to historic 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is still in disbelief after receiving a prestigious nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards. The 32-year-old has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, which honours the world’s best goalkeeper, alongside nine other top shot-stoppers, including Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.

Williams’ nomination is a testament to his outstanding form over the past year. As the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season, he has led his team to multiple trophies, including the Caf African Football League and the Betway Premiership. Additionally, Williams earned a bronze medal at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, further solidifying his standing as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.

The Yashin Trophy winner will be announced on October 28 in Paris, and Williams’ inclusion in the elite list is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work, leadership, and consistency on the field.

“I’m speechless and I’ve got no words to describe how I’m feeling at the moment. It’s a surreal feeling, I’m still in shock and it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Williams told the Sundowns’ media team.

“I’m just proud, excited and not for myself but more for South Africa as a whole. I hope this will inspire the next generation and inspire the current players to just believe and chase their dreams. To believe that as South Africans, we can achieve the unthinkable.

“So I’m proud and happy. I can’t express how I’m really feeling. It’s like my body has left me. I’ve never had a feeling like this before but I’m just proud of myself.”

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