Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been named among 10 nominees for the Yashin Trophy, given each year to the best goalkeeper in world football, French magazine France Football announced on Tuesday.
The list was unveiled ahead of the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony, which takes place in London on October 26. No Brazilian players made the cut this year.
The nominees are Yassine Bounou of Al-Hilal, Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid, Joan Garcia of Barcelona, Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund, Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez, nominated for his performances while at Aston Villa, Edouard Mendy of Al-Ahly, David Raya of Arsenal, Matvey Safonov of Paris Saint-Germain, Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao and Vozinha.
The list draws players from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and Egyptian club Al-Ahly.
Vozinha's rise
Vozinha's nomination is the biggest talking point on the list. He was recognized for his performances at Portuguese club Chaves, including a string of impressive saves for Cape Verde at the World Cup that drew attention from across world football. He has since moved on to Chilean side Colo-Colo.
What the Yashin Trophy recognizes
The Yashin Trophy is named after Lev Yashin, the Soviet goalkeeper widely regarded as the greatest in the position's history and the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or outright, in 1963. It has been handed out alongside the Ballon d'Or since 2019 to honor the world's best goalkeeper over the season.
The Ballon d'Or itself, organized by France Football, is one of football's most prestigious individual honors and has been awarded since 1956. Other categories presented on the night include the Kopa Trophy for the best young player and the women's Ballon d'Or. The Yashin Trophy nominations were revealed as part of a wider rollout of this year's award categories, which has also included nominees for best coach and best club.
What's next
The winner of the Yashin Trophy, along with the rest of this year's Ballon d'Or winners, will be announced at the ceremony in London on October 26.
