France Football presents the Yashin Trophy annually to acknowledge the world’s most renowned custodian. Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has supported Matvey Safonov, a custodian for Paris Saint-Germain and Russia, as a strong contender for this honour.
Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal, Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid, Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund, Joan García of Barcelona, Édouard Mendy of Al Ahli, Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa/Chelsea, David Raya of Arsenal, Vozinha of Chaves/Colo-Colo, Unai Simón of Athletic Club, and Matvey Safonov assemble the shortlist for the Yashin Trophy.
Utaka has publicly supported Safonov’s Yashin Trophy campaign and named Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid as his favourite candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
With tremendous potential, Matvey Safonov displays outstanding goalkeeping skills. He has a real shot at being named the best custodian of the year. According to Utaka’s judgement, Kylian Mbappé is the front-runner for the Ballon d’Or, as he shared with Euro Football.
In a 1-1 draw between Russia and Nigeria on June 6, 2025, Safonov let Tolu Arokodare score in the 71st minute.
It is still unclear if Safonov will start in goal for Russia’s upcoming encounter against the Super Eagles on Tuesday, following his clean sheet in their 2-0 victory over Iran on September 29, 2026.
On October 26, 2026, in London’s Palladium Theatre, will be held the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony. Goalkeepers David Raya of Arsenal and Unai Simón of Athletic Club are among those being considered by media experts and pundits as possible winners.