The race to crown the world’s best goalkeeper has officially begun. France Football and UEFA have unveiled the highly anticipated 10-man shortlist for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, celebrating the outstanding shot-stoppers who have dominated the global football stage over the past season.
Recognising performances between August 2025 and July 2026, including the unforgettable moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this year’s shortlist brings together a world-class collection of experienced champions, European giants, and inspiring breakthrough figures who have redefined goalkeeping excellence.
From crucial saves on the biggest stages to commanding displays for club and country, these ten nominees represent the very best between the posts.
🧤 Complete 10-Man Yashin Trophy 2026 Shortlist
The official nominees competing for the prestigious goalkeeper award are:
- Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal / Morocco)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid / Belgium)
- Joan García (FC Barcelona / Spain)
- Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund / Switzerland)
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa / Argentina)
- Édouard Mendy (Al Ahli / Senegal)
- David Raya (Arsenal / Spain)
- Matvey Safonov (Paris Saint-Germain / Russia)
- Unai Simón (Athletic Club / Spain)
- Vozinha (Colo-Colo / Cape Verde)
🌍 African Goalkeepers Make Historic Impact
The 2026 Yashin Trophy shortlist celebrates a powerful African presence, with three goalkeepers from the continent earning nominations.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, Senegal’s Édouard Mendy, and Cape Verde captain Vozinha have all earned global recognition following exceptional seasons that showcased Africa’s growing influence on the world stage.
Their inclusion highlights the continued rise of African goalkeeping talent, with each goalkeeper delivering memorable performances for both club and country.
⭐ Vozinha’s Unforgettable World Cup Journey
Among this year’s nominees, Cape Verde’s Vozinha represents one of the most inspiring stories.
The veteran goalkeeper played a key role during Cape Verde’s historic first appearance at the FIFA World Cup, producing a series of remarkable performances against some of world football’s biggest nations.
His leadership, composure, and incredible shot-stopping ability earned worldwide admiration, with his displays eventually securing recognition in the prestigious FIFA fan-voted Dream Team.
🏆 Battle of the Goalkeeping Giants
The shortlist also features some of Europe’s most established goalkeeping superstars.
Thibaut Courtois continues to set the standard at Real Madrid with his elite reflexes and big-game mentality, while David Raya has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers with Arsenal.
Barcelona’s Joan García represents the new generation of elite goalkeepers, while names such as Emiliano Martínez, Gregor Kobel, Unai Simón, and Matvey Safonov add further quality and competition to an outstanding shortlist.
🏅 Who Will Win the 2026 Yashin Trophy?
The winner of the 2026 Yashin Trophy will be revealed alongside the Ballon d’Or winners during the prestigious awards ceremony on October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre.
With World Cup heroes, domestic champions, and elite performers all competing, the race for the golden goalkeeper award promises to be one of the most exciting battles of the year.
Who is your favourite to win the 2026 Yashin Trophy? Share your prediction in the comments below.
