What is the Yashin Trophy? Goalkeeper prize at Ballon d'Or awards and controversy around lack of women's gong

After the 2024 Ballon d'Or opened a new historical chapter with the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel not amongst the nominees for the main award for the first time in 21 years, the 2025 race brought forth new stars onto the stage.

Rodri's shock 2024 win paved the way for Ousmane Dembele to secure the 2025 trophy in the first year he was ever nominated for the award.

While the focus at the yearly gala is largely concentrated on the stars in the running for the famous trophy at the showpiece event in Paris, there are many other individuals recognised.

The Ballon d'Or winner for both men and women is announced alongside other sister awards by France Football, including the Gerd Muller Trophy, the Kopa Trophy, the Johan Cruyff Trophy, and the Socrates Award.

RECAP: Look back at the 2025 Ballon d'Or award ceremony along with all the winners

There is also special recognition for goalkeepers, via the Yashin Trophy, which anoints the best goalkeeper in the world over the past calendar year. The Sporting News explains what the trophy is handed out for, who has won it, and who it was named for.

What is the Yashin Trophy?

The award focuses solely on the performances of goalkeepers named in honour of the legendary Soviet Union star Lev Yashin - who remains as the only keeper to win the Ballon d'Or - with success back in 1963.

Award organisers France Football opted to bring in the award, as part of the Ballon d'Or, in 2019.

With the 2020 awards cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there have only been four winners prior to 2024.

Is there a female Yashin Trophy?

For the first time in 2025, a women's Yashin Trophy was handed out.

Alongside the addition of the Ballon d'Or Feminin award in 2018, France Football also brought in Women's Club of the Year in 2023 and a Women's Coach of the Year award, for the first time in 2024.

2025 Yashin Trophy nominees

The 10-player shortlist for the 2025 Yashin Trophy was confirmed in early September with eventual winnerGianluigi Donnarumma joined by other previous winners of the award, including two-time defending winner Emiliano Martinez and 2022 winner Thibaut Courtios.

Alisson, who won the inaugural men's award in 2019, was also amongst the list.

2025 Men's Yashin Trophy nominees

2025 Women's Yashin Trophy nominees