Brighton shower praise on Nnadozie after she is voted fourth best goalkeeper in the world

ENGLISH Women's Super League (WSL) side Brighton and Hove Albion have paid glowing tribute to Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for being voted the fourth best goalkeeper in the world at the Ballon d'Or Awards last night.

At the highly prestigious 2025 Ballon d'Or Awards ceremony which held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris last night, Nnadozie came fourth in the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year category. Nnadozie, 24, who has been in outstanding form for both club and country over the past year, was shortlisted among the five best goalkeepers in the world.

Known as the Trophée Yachine or Women’s Goalkeeper Award, the category was won by England and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, who topped the voting after a stellar season. German veteran Ann-Katrin Berger, now with Gotham FC, secured second place, while Spanish star Cata Coll of Barcelona finished third.

Rounding out the top five was Dutch international Daphne van Domselaar, Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper. Reacting to Nnadozie’s achievement, Brighton’s women’s team took to their official X account to celebrate her recognition:

“Chiamaka Nnadozie is fourth in the Trophée Yachine rankings at this year’s BallonDor! Congratulations on your nomination, Chiamaka,” the club wrote.

This latest milestone adds to Nnadozie’s growing reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in world football. Known for her sharp reflexes, penalty-saving heroics and commanding presence between the sticks, she continues to raise the profile of Nigerian women’s football on the global stage.

Yesterday was also a night of recognition for Nigeria on the coaching front as Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, was named fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category. As was the case with  goalkeeping The award went to Dutch tactician Sarina Wiegman, who masterminded England’s triumph at the Uefa Women’s Championship.

Madugu, however, earned his nomination after guiding the Super Falcons to a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, further solidifying Nigeria’s dominance on the continent. For Nnadozie and Madugu, finishing among the world’s best underscores Nigeria’s growing impact in women’s football, with both achievements serving as inspiration for the next generation of African talents.

Meanwhile, France's and Paris Saint-Germain striker Ousmane Dembele was voted the 2025 Male Footballer of the Year last night. In the female category, Spanish and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, was voted the 2025 Women Footballer of the Year.