Spanish midfielders Rodri Cascante and Aitana Bonmati won big in Paris at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards.
Manchester City’s star player Rodri and Barcelona’s star Bonmati were named the best players in world football.
RODRI WINS BIG IN PARIS
Rodri edged Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. to win the prestigious award. News of his win circulated online hours before the awards, forcing the Spanish giants to snub the ceremony in France.
No doubt Rodri’s win has since left many shocked, while others have lauded him as the ‘deserving player’ for the top award.
However, Mamelodi Sundowns star Ronwen Williams also attended the awards after he was nominated for the Lev Yashin Trophy, which recognises the best goalkeepers in the world.
However, the South African shot-stopper’s impressive season earned him international recognition.
RONWEN WILLIAMS RANKED 9TH BEST KEEPER IN THE WORLD
Speaking to the media ahead of the awards, Ronwen Williams expressed his gratitude for being named among the best stars in the world.
He also said his nomination would help to get more players playing in Africa noticed.
Ronwen Williams was seemingly the first African player to be nominated for the award while playing in Africa.
Despite losing the top award to Argentine international and Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez, Ronwen Williams’ nomination alone was a big win for Africa.
At the awards, Ronwen Williams was named the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. He was ranked amongst some of the best in the game, including Yann Sommer and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Emiliano Martinez
- Unai Simon
- Andriy Lunin
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Mike Maignan
- Yann Somme
- Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Diogo Costa
- Ronwen Williams
- Gregor Kobel
ITUMELENG KHUNE GIVES MAMELODI SUNDOWNS GOALKEEPER HIS FLOWERS
Ahead of the awards former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune gave Ronwen Williams his followers.
Khune gave Williams his flowers as he reacted to a video of his red carpet-interview shared by SuperSport on Instagram. The former Bafana Bafana number one said, “All the best to the Best GK.”
That stamp of approval from Itumeleng Khune alone left social media abuzz. In recent years, fans have often compared them but often brush off the comparisons that thrust them into the top trends.
During the peak of his career, Itumeleng Khune was lauded as one of the best goalkeepers in Africa.
However, despite not playing in Europe, several media outlets often credit him as one of the best stars of his time.
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