2026 Ballon d’Or: John Utaka names best player, goalkeeper to win awards

Former Super Eagles guardant John Utaka has endorsed Paris Saint-Germain and Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov arsenic a beardown contender for the Yashin Trophy, an yearly accolade presented by France Football to admit the world’s astir distinguished goalkeeper.

The Yashin Trophy shortlist comprises Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Joan García (Barcelona), Édouard Mendy (Al Ahli), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Chelsea), David Raya (Arsenal), Vozinha (Chaves/Colo-Colo), Unai Simón (Athletic Club), and Matvey Safonov.

Utaka has voiced his backing for Safonov’s candidacy for the Yashin Trophy and has identified Real Madrid’s elite guardant Kylian Mbappé arsenic his apical prime for the Ballon d’Or.

“Matvey Safonov demonstrates exceptional goalkeeping abilities with singular potential. He possesses a genuine accidental to beryllium recognized arsenic the year’s premier goalkeeper. In my assessment, Kylian Mbappé stands arsenic the superior campaigner for the Ballon d’Or,” Utaka communicated to Euro Football.

Safonov conceded a extremity from Tolu Arokodare during the 71st infinitesimal of Russia’s 1-1 gully against Nigeria connected June 6, 2025.

Following Russia’s 2-0 triumph implicit Iran connected September 29, 2026, successful which Safonov recorded a cleanable sheet, uncertainty persists regarding whether Safonov volition inhabit the goalkeeper relation successful the forthcoming Tuesd...