Brighton Hail Super Falcons’ Chiamaka Nnadozie After Historic Ballon d’Or Feat

Brighton & Hove Albion have paid tribute to their goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, after she broke new ground at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris.

Chiamaka Nnadozie finished fourth in the women’s Goalkeeper of the Year rankings, becoming the first African and the first Nigerian to ever be shortlisted for the prestigious Yashin Trophy.

Nnadozie’s club proudly celebrated the achievement on social media, writing: “@NadozieChiamaka is fourth in the #TrophéeYachine rankings at this year’s #BallonDor! Congratulations on your nomination, Chiamaka!”

Chelsea and England’s Hannah Hampton walked away with the top honour, while Ann-Katrin Berger of Gotham FC came second. Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed third place, with Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar completing the top five.

For Nnadozie, this recognition is the latest highlight in a career already full of landmark moments. She was instrumental in Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco last year, pulling off crucial saves that kept the Super Falcons on course.

While still at Paris FC, she won the 2024 UNFP Goalkeeper of the Season award and lifted the Coupe de France Féminine before sealing her move to the Women’s Super League with Brighton.

It was also a proud evening for Nigerian football in general. Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, earned a fourth-place finish in the Women’s Coach of the Year category. England boss Sarina Wiegman claimed the award after guiding the Lionesses to success.