Williams Recalls What Happened When He Found Out He Has Been Nominated for Ballon d’Or
- Ronwen Williams reminisced on how he felt after he got to know about his nomination for the Yashin Award at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony
- The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper was shortlisted by France Football alongside nine other goalkeepers in the world
- The South African international sets a new record with his nomination for an award at the Ballon d'Or event next month
South African international Ronwen Williams has recalled what happened when he learned he had been nominated among the top ten goalkeepers eligible to win the Yashin Award at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony next month.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star and nine other goalkeepers made the award shortlist, meaning he's presently recognised as one of the best shot-stoppers in the football world.
The 32-year-old made the list alongside Emiliano Martinez, Unai Simon, Andriy Lunin, Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gregor Kobel, Mike Maignan, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Yann Sommer.
Source: Getty Images
Williams speaks on being nominated for Yashin Trophy
In an interview with BBC Sport Africa, Williams narrated how he felt when he heard he had been nominated for the much-coveted award at this year's Ballon d'Or event.
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The Mzansi goalkeeper's performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations and the African Football League earned him a place among the best goalies in the world.
"I can't recall if I dropped the phone. I got a knot in my stomach. I went numb," the Bafana Bafana captain said in the interview with BBC.
"I couldn't believe it when I saw the Ballon d'Or page. I don't know if I was excited, happy or crying. It was so surreal.
"I have so many feelings, and I try not to think about them because they get me emotional."
The Mamelodi Sundowns star is the first African player who plays his club football in the region to be nominated for the goalkeeper award.
The South African goalie believes being nominated for the award comes top of everything he's achieved during his illustrious career and cannot be replaced.
"I've achieved so much in my career, but I don't think this will never be replaced," he added.
"It's going to open doors for South Africans to start thinking and dreaming bigger. We've got the talent and ability, but we pull ourselves down.
"I feel like I've already won even if I don't make the top three."
Williams disgraces SuperSport star with sublime skill
Briefly News earlier reported on Williams embarrassing a SuperSport United star during their tie in the Premier Soccer League.
The move by the Ballon d'Or nominee generated different reactions from fans on social media.
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Source: Briefly News
