The award is named after Lev Yashin, the first and only goalkeeper to win a Ballon d'Or, a feat no other goalkeeper has yet accomplished. He was known for his athleticism, positioning, imposing presence in goal, and acrobatic reflex saves. He was also deputy chairman of the Football Federation of the Soviet Union. On the men’s side, it was created in 2019. It is awarded to the best goalkeeper. Voting for this award is performed by journalists based on a shortlist of 10. It is an award based on three main criteria: Individual performances, decisive and impressive character, team performances and achievements and class and fair play.
Hannah Hampton
Hampton is the bookies' choice, and I would be shocked if she did not win after a fantastic season. She won the domestic treble and went unbeaten in all three seasons in the WSL, League Cup, and FA Cup. She also won the Golden Glove for this season.
She had 13 clean sheets across competitions this season.
At the Euros, she outperformed expectations after Mary Earps's sudden retirement and Hampton's receipt of the number one spot for country.
She saved England in two penalty shootouts at the Euros, winning them the final. Saved two penalties overall, including that of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Astana Bonmati in the final, where England meets Spain.
She received the player of the match in the Euros final, playing the tournament with grief after losing her grandad days before the tournament started.
Ann-Katrin Berger
Berger is a season keeper at Gotham FC and was awarded the 2024 NSWL Goalkeeper of the Year and German footballer of the Year. She appeared in her first tournament, the Euros 2025, which she had previously not played. She made a crucial and memorable save against Spain in the semi-finals, stretching across the goal to prevent the ball from hitting the top corner.
I bring leadership, experience, and a career spanning top clubs and Germany’s national team.
Cata Coll
While Cata Coll lost both the Champions League Final and the Euros final, she won the domestic treble against Barcelona.
She was unavailable for Spain in the group stages but made it to the knockout stage and saved Beth Mead's retake penalty and Leah Williamson's Penalty in the final.
In the 2024/25 season, she played in 40 matches across all competitions for Spain and Barcelona.
Her consistent presence and calm distribution make her a central figure in one of Europe’s dominant defensive setups.
Chimaka Nnadozie
Nnadozie's nomination follows her impressive performances, including winning the Best Goalkeeper award and being named in the Team of the Tournament at the WAFCON.
She won the WAFCON with her country, Nigeria, this summer.
In the 2024–25 season, she logged 10 clean sheets in 18 league appearances, boasting an average of 2.4 saves per game and contributing to one of the league’s strongest defences.
Delivered a standout performance in the Coupe de France final, saving two penalties for Paris FC’s first-ever triumph.
Daphne Van Domselaar
Van Domselaar came in after Zinsberger's poor performance the previous season. She played a lot and was injured in the last few games of the season, which Arsenal lost, but she came back against Barcelona to win the Champions League, the side's first Champions League title since 2007.
She kept 10 clean sheets in the WSL, ranking third among goalkeepers behind Hannah Hampton.
Her nomination is likely based on her club season, as her Euros were underwhelming. She conceded nine goals in two games and was knocked out at the group stage.
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