OFFICIAL:10 Nominees for Best Goalkeeper of the Year, Yashin Trophy at Ballon d’Or 2026 Revealed
The winner will be decided by a panel of international journalists, taking into account individual performances, collective trophies, and fair play.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The race for the prestigious Yashin Trophy is officially on! France Football has today unveiled the 10 nominees for the Best Goalkeeper of the Year at the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony, with a stellar list featuring World Cup winners, Champions League heroes, and breakout stars from across Europe and beyond.
The Yashin Trophy, named after legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, will be awarded during the Ballon d’Or 2026 gala in Paris, recognizing the most outstanding goalkeeping performances from August 2025 to July 2026.
This year’s shortlist is headlined by some of the most in-form shot-stoppers in world football:
The Full 10-Man Shortlist:
1. Vozinha– The Cape Verde and FK Qarabag sensation has been one of the biggest surprises in European football, with heroic displays in the Champions League qualifying rounds and domestic dominance.
2. Unai Simón (Spain / Athletic Bilbao) – Spain’s number one continues to be a pillar for both club and country, instrumental in Athletic’s Copa del Rey defense and Spain’s Nations League campaign.
3. David Raya (Spain / Arsenal) – The Arsenal and Spain international enjoyed a stellar season, winning the Premier League Golden Glove and playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s deep Champions League run with his distribution and shot-stopping.
4. Joan García (Spain / Barcelona) – The breakout star of La Liga. After his move to Barcelona, the young Catalan goalkeeper has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising keepers with reflex saves and composure.
5. Gregor Kobel (Switzerland / Borussia Dortmund)– Dortmund’s captain and wall, Kobel was again decisive in the Bundesliga and Champions League, known for his leadership and big-game penalty saves.
6. Édouard Mendy (Senegal / Al Ahli) – Back to his best, the former Chelsea man and AFCON winner was vital for Al Ahli’s Saudi Pro League title challenge and Senegal’s AFCON qualification.
7. Emiliano Martínez (Argentina / Aston Villa)– The reigning two-time Yashin Trophy winner is back in contention. ‘Dibu’ Martinez delivered another season of world-class performances for Aston Villa, securing Champions League football again with crucial saves.
8. Matvey Safonov (Russia / Paris Saint-Germain) – PSG’s new number one after a blockbuster move from Krasnodar, the Russian giant impressed in Ligue 1 and was instrumental in PSG’s run to the Champions League final.
9. Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Al Hilal) – ‘Bono’ continues to shine in Saudi Arabia, with outstanding performances for Al Hilal and Morocco, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent keepers in the world.
10. Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid) – After returning from his long-term injury, the Real Madrid giant reminded everyone why he is considered among the best ever, with match-winning displays in La Liga and the Champions League knockout stages.
The winner will be decided by a panel of international journalists, taking into account individual performances, collective trophies, and fair play.
With no clear favorite this year, the battle between Premier League stars Raya and Martinez, La Liga’s new generation led by Joan Garcia and Unai Simon, and veterans like Courtois and Bounou promises to be one of the most competitive Yashin Trophy races in recent history.
Who do you think deserves to be crowned the Best Goalkeeper in the World for 2026?
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