Three of football’s most formidable shot-stoppers, Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, have emerged as frontrunners for the 2025 Yachine Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world.
France Football, the organiser of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony, revealed the 10-man shortlist on Thursday via its official channels, setting the stage for another heated race between elite goalkeepers.
Alisson, the Brazilian wall between the sticks for Liverpool, had a stellar 2024/25 season, helping his club to a top-three finish in the Premier League and playing a key role in their UEFA Champions League semi-final run. Known for his calm under pressure and superb one-on-one saves, the 32-year-old remains one of the most consistent keepers in the modern game.
Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, despite an injury-plagued year, came back in sensational form during the latter part of the season, proving his worth with clutch performances in La Liga and Europe. The Belgian, a former Yachine Trophy winner in 2022, was instrumental in Madrid’s domestic double, making the shortlist inevitable even with limited appearances.
Gianluigi Donnarumma also earned his place among the favourites, thanks to a dominant season at Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian international showcased incredible reflexes and shot-stopping prowess, helping PSG to another Ligue 1 title and deep into the Champions League campaign. His improved command of the box and maturity in high-pressure matches have drawn widespread praise.
Other notable names on the shortlist include Ederson of Manchester City, who continues to redefine the role of a sweeper-keeper, and Mike Maignan of AC Milan, who stood out with his penalty-saving heroics and leadership. Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, and Arsenal’s David Raya also made the cut, underlining Europe’s rich pool of goalkeeping talent.
This year’s list also features an underdog story in Diogo Costa of FC Porto, whose breakout season included spectacular displays in the Champions League and the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The 25-year-old’s nomination has been met with excitement in Portugal, where many see him as the future of the national team.
The Yachine Trophy, named after Soviet goalkeeping legend Lev Yashin, was introduced in 2019 as part of the Ballon d’Or awards. Since then, it has become the most prestigious individual honour for goalkeepers globally, recognising both club and international performances.
Last year’s winner, Emiliano Martínez of Argentina and Aston Villa, did not make the shortlist this time around, after a quieter season with fewer high-profile outings. His exclusion reflects the fierce competition and high standards set by the current crop of keepers.
With no World Cup or major international tournament influencing this year’s picks, club form has taken centre stage in the evaluation process. Analysts believe this levels the playing field and allows pure performance to shine, rather than trophy haul or popularity.
The winner will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for October in Paris.
The gala will also feature the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or winners, the Kopa Trophy for best young player, and the Gerd Müller Trophy for best striker.
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