Brighton coach Dario Vidosic has praised Chiamaka Nnadozie after the Nigerian goalkeeper capped an impressive year by finishing in the top five of the Women’s Yashin Trophy rankings at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 24-year-old, who joined Albion in July from Paris FC, was shortlisted for the prestigious award following her exploits with Nigeria and at club level.
Nnadozie helped the Super Falcons win a record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown in the summer, keeping four consecutive clean sheets and being named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
She also guided Paris FC to their first Coupe de France title in two decades before moving to Brighton.
Although Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton claimed the 2025 Yashin Trophy, Nnadozie’s fourth-place finish represented a landmark for African football, as she became the first female goalkeeper from the continent to be recognised at the Ballon d’Or.
Vidosic said the club and wider Brighton community were proud of her recognition on such a global stage.
“As a club, squad, and everyone affiliated with the women’s program at Brighton, we are all really proud of them. It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised for one of the most prestigious awards in the footballing world,” he told the club’s media after the event.
Source: Punch.ng