Joseph-Antoine Bell, regarded as the best African goalkeeper of the 20th century, has questioned Matvey Safonov’s chances of winning the France Football award for the best goalkeeper of the year.
“I think he will not win the title of goalkeeper of the year,” Bell told the online publication Euro-Football.Ru in an exclusive comment.
The Yashin Trophy will be presented in London on 26 October 2026. Ten goalkeepers have been included on the shortlist for the award, with Safonov among the contenders.
The other nominees are Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois, Joan Garcia, Gregor Kobel, Emiliano Martinez, Edouard Mendy, David Raya, Unai Simon and Vozinha.