Chijioke Gabriel
Paris, France – Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned global recognition after being ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards held in Paris.
The prestigious awards saw England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton make history by winning the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy, following an outstanding year in which she played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph and Chelsea’s domestic treble.
Nnadozie, who currently plays club football with Paris FC in France, continues to build a reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers. She was included among the top five in the final ranking, behind Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger in second place and Spain’s Cata Coll in third. Hampton claimed the top spot.
The Nigerian star first gained international attention at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where she was named Player of the Match in Nigeria’s shock victory over Australia. Her consistent performances have kept her at the forefront of global women’s football, earning admiration for her reflexes, composure, and leadership on the pitch.
Hampton’s historic award capped a remarkable season in which she kept 13 clean sheets in the Women’s Super League, shared the Golden Glove, and was instrumental in Chelsea’s domestic success before leading England to European glory.
Nnadozie’s ranking cements her status as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers and highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in international women’s football.