South Africans are crying foul after Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams lost out at the Ballon d’Or Awards– in the Yashin Trophy category – for the world’s most prestigious goalkeeping award.
The award was given to Emiliano Martínez of Argentina, who plays club football at Aston Villa.
RONWEN WILLIAMS ROBBED OF BALLON D’OR AWARD?
On Monday, 28 October, Ronwen Williams walked the red carpet at the Ballon d’Or Awards, which took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star was nominated for the Yashin Trophy and was up against the likes of Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Emiliano Martinez, the latter of whom won.
However, many South Africans believed that Ronwen – the only African to be nominated in the category – is a world-class player who deserved to win. Others compared him to Emiliano Martinez – who also won last year – whose statistics were not as favourable.
According to judges, Ronwen was ranked 9th in the world, while Emilio bagged first place.
X troll Chris Excel tweeted: “Ronwen Williams – 22 Clean sheets in the league. Martinez – 4 clean sheets. His only crime is being African.”
Others claimed he was outright robbed, given his accolades.
GAYTON MCKENZIE: ‘YOU MADE YOUR COUNTRY PROUD’
While many South Africans were saddened that Ronwen Williams did not win the Yashin Trophy, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised the player for his stellar efforts.
He tweeted, “Arriving at this stage is enough proof of your greatness. You have made your country proud. You are a true champion.”
DO YOU THINK RONWEN WILLIAMS WAS DESERVING OF THE BALLON D’OR AWARD?
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