During a stellar 12 months of domestic and international football, South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has been winning awards with regularity – but his latest nomination left him “numb” with disbelief.
The Mamelodi Sundowns stopper has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, which recognises the world’s best goalkeepers as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.
“I can’t recall if I dropped the phone. I got a knot in my stomach. I literally went numb,” he told BBC Sport Africa, struggling to describe his feelings.
“When I saw the Ballon d’Or page, I couldn’t believe it.
“I don’t know if I was excited, happy or crying. It was so surreal.
“I have so many feelings and I try not to think about it because it gets me emotional.”
The 32-year-old is the first African-based player to be nominated for the trophy named after former Soviet Union legend Lev Yashin.
Given that South Africa’s men’s team has largely underachieved on the international stage over the past two decades, Williams hopes his recognition will provide motivation for his compatriots.
“I’ve achieved so much in my career but I don’t think this will ever be replaced,” he said.
“It’s going to open doors for South Africans to start thinking and dreaming bigger. We’ve got the talent and ability but we pull ourselves down.
“I feel like I’ve already won even if I don’t make the top three.”