Three African goalkeepers have been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, known as the Yashin Trophy.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, Senegal’s Édouard Mendy and Cape Verde’s Vozinha were included among the 10 nominees announced by France Football on Tuesday.
They will compete for the award alongside Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid, Arsenal’s David Raya, Barcelona’s Joan García, Unai Simón of Athletic Club and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.
Emiliano Martínez and Matvey Safonov complete the shortlist, which recognises performances between August 2025 and July 2026, including displays at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vozinha’s nomination follows an impressive World Cup campaign with debutants Cape Verde. The 40-year-old produced outstanding performances against Spain and Argentina, helping his side hold Spain to a goalless draw before pushing Argentina into extra time in the Round of 32.
Although Cape Verde eventually lost 3-2 to Argentina after extra time, Vozinha’s performances earned him a place in FIFA’s fan-selected World Cup Dream Team.
Bounou, meanwhile, continues to earn recognition for his consistent performances for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and the Moroccan national team, while Mendy remains one of Africa’s most decorated goalkeepers following his achievements with Senegal and former club Chelsea.
The winner of the Yashin Trophy will be announced at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
