Matvey Safonov and three Spaniards named for Yachine 2026

Matvey Safonov is among the 10 nominees for the 2026 Yachine Trophy, putting the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper in contention for the award after a season that included a second European title with the club. The shortlist also features three Spaniards and two less expected names in Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.

Spain’s candidates are Joan García of Barcelona, Arsenal’s David Raya and Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón. García’s nomination follows a standout campaign for Barcelona, despite spending the 2026 World Cup on the bench. Raya combined a World Cup triumph with a Champions League final appearance, while Simón was part of Spain’s world-title winning team.

The list also includes Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy. Bounou reached the World Cup quarter-finals, Mendy won the Asian Champions League with Al-Ahli and helped Senegal reach the last 16, while Courtois remained in contention despite Real Madrid’s difficult season after a strong World Cup. Vozinha was recognised after his role in Cape Verde’s campaign, and Kobel reached the quarter-finals with Switzerland.

The reigning winner, Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, is not nominated. Alisson won in 2019, Donnarumma in 2021 and 2025, Courtois in 2022, and Martínez in 2023 and 2024.