+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Ronwen Williams, South Africa, October 2025Backpage
Khothatso Leballo

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper and Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams nominated for prestigious FIFA award again

The recognition of a South African footballer by the world football governing body, especially one plying his trade in the Premier Soccer League, proves the quality of the domestic league. Such acknowledgement could show how the PSL has earned respect on the global stage and reinforces the local league's case as one of Africa’s most competitive football competitions.

  • Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    Williams up against the world's best goalkeepers

    Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has been shortlisted among 22 goalkeepers worldwide for the prestigious FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. 

    The Mamelodi Sundowns custodian will be up against global icons who include Alisson Becker, Manuel Neuer, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Thibaut Courtois, Michele Di Gregorio and Emiliano Martinez. 

    Senegal shot-stopper Edouard Mendy and Morocco's Yassine Bounou are the only other African goalkeepers nominated in this category, which has Andre Onana missing out. 

    His nomination comes after a stellar year in which he inspired Masandawana to reach the CAF Champions League as well as participation at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

    Williams’ inclusion makes him retain his place among football’s elite on the global stage while also cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent and reliable goalkeepers in Africa.

    • Advertisement
  • Ronwen Williams, South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    FIFA explains voting for the Men's Best XI

    FIFA has described the period during which the nominees in various categories were selected and how they can be voted for.

    "The Best FIFA Men’s 11 will recognise the finest players in the world in their positions – and fans can now choose their all-star team from a stellar pool of nominees," explained FIFA.

    "They will be able to choose from a list of 88 nominated players – 22 goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team.  

    "Players have been nominated due to their performances from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025, with voters also asked to make selections based on this qualifying period."

  • Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    Williams back for global recognition

    This is not the first time for Williams to be recognised among the world’s elite goalkeepers. 

    The Bafana skipper was previously nominated for this FIFA award in 2024, highlighting his growing global stature. 

    He was also among the nominees for the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or, a rare feat as he became the first African-based goalkeeper to be listed for that gong.

     Williams’ back-to-back recognitions highlight his profile as one of the most influential goalkeepers in modern African football.

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    What comes next?

    Williams’ nomination for the FIFA Best award is a huge vote of confidence in him, despite a costly mistake he made for Sundowns at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Borussia Dortmund before a watching global audience.

    Despite the high-profile error, the recognition highlights his overall excellence throughout the year. 

    The upcoming 2025 AFCON finals will present another grand stage for Williams to reaffirm his class as arguably the best on the continent.

    Beyond that, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be yet another opportunity for him to continue proving himself among the world’s top goalkeepers.

0