Nnadozie Named Fourth-Best Goalkeeper in the World at 2025 Ballon d’Or
Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria’s Super Falcons has been ranked fourth-best goalkeeper in the world in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, highlighting her standout performances this season.
Key Facts
- Chiamaka Nnadozie placed fourth in the final ranking for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
- She trails Hannah Hampton (England/Chelsea), Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), and Cata Coll (Spain) in the top spots.
- Nnadozie plays club football with Paris FC in France.
- Her performances on the global stage have been consistently strong, including her Player of the Match recognition during Nigeria’s surprise win over Australia at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, cementing her status as one of Africa’s finest football exports.
The Super Falcons star, who plays her club football with Paris FC in France, finished just behind Spain’s Cata Coll, Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and England’s Hannah Hampton in the Women’s Yashin Trophy category, which recognises the best goalkeepers globally.
Nnadozie’s recognition is the latest milestone in a career that has seen her rise rapidly since her international breakthrough at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in the tournament’s history. In 2023, she earned global plaudits after her penalty saves and commanding performances helped Nigeria upset co-hosts Australia at the Women’s World Cup, where she was named Player of the Match.
Her consistency with Paris FC in the French Division 1 Féminine has also been critical. She played a central role in the club’s qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, making her one of the few African goalkeepers competing at the highest level of European football.
Football analysts have hailed Nnadozie’s top-four finish as a watershed moment for African women’s football. With few African players historically breaking into Ballon d’Or shortlists, her ranking signifies the growing visibility of talent from the continent.
“This recognition isn’t just about Nnadozie, it’s about the Super Falcons and the entire African game,” said a Lagos-based sports journalist. “It sends a signal that African players can compete with the very best in Europe and beyond.”
At just 23 years old, Nnadozie is still regarded as being in the early stages of her career. Coaches and former players believe her fearless shot-stopping, leadership in the penalty area, and ability to handle high-pressure matches position her as a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Her achievement also comes at a time when Nigeria’s women’s football is experiencing renewed momentum. The Super Falcons qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics and are widely regarded as one of Africa’s strongest hopes for medals in upcoming global tournaments.
For Nnadozie herself, the recognition is both a personal triumph and an inspiration for younger athletes. “She represents resilience and excellence,” said a senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “Every young girl with dreams of playing football can now look at her and believe it’s possible.”
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