Football’s Elite Set to Converge in Paris for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Gala
On Monday, October 28, the football world will descend on Paris for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Among the distinguished nominees is South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, who has made history as the first African and Africa-based player nominated for a Ballon d’Or accolade. Williams is vying for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper globally, and hopes to add another milestone to his remarkable journey.
Ronwen Williams’ Competition for the Yashin Trophy
Williams faces stiff competition from an impressive lineup of goalkeepers, including:
Each of these keepers has showcased exceptional talent for their clubs and national teams over the past season, intensifying the competition for the Yashin Trophy.
Criteria for Winning the Yashin Trophy
Named after Soviet goalkeeping legend Lev Yashin, the Yashin Trophy evaluates goalkeepers based on three main criteria: individual performance, character and match impact, and contributions to team success. Williams’ outstanding form with Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team could be pivotal in swaying the jury, who assess factors such as crucial saves, resilience, and leadership on the field.
Selection Process for the Winner
The winner of the Yashin Trophy is determined by an international panel of expert journalists, one from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings. Jurors rank their top three goalkeepers, awarding points as follows: 5 for first place, 3 for second, and 1 for third. The goalkeeper with the highest total points wins the trophy, with ties broken by the number of first-place votes.
2024 Ballon d’Or Awards Ceremony Details
This year’s ceremony will take place at the iconic Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, the venue since 2019. The event will kick off at 19:00 GMT (23:00 South African time) and will be co-hosted by Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, along with journalist Sandy Heribert.
In addition to the Yashin Trophy, other prestigious awards will be presented, including the Ballon d’Or for Player of the Year, the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorer, and the Socrates Award for humanitarian contributions by a player.
How to Watch the Ceremony
Fans worldwide can watch the Ballon d’Or gala live on the L’Equipe YouTube channel, though some regions may have viewing restrictions. The ceremony promises to be an electrifying celebration of the most talented and influential football players across the globe.
With strong support from fans at home and abroad, Williams remains hopeful about his chances. Regardless of the outcome, his journey to the Ballon d’Or stage serves as an inspiration for many across Africa and beyond.
