The Yashin Trophy, presented annually by France Football, honours the outstanding goalkeeper of the year. Safonov is among a strong group of nominees competing for the prestigious individual award.
The shortlist also features some of the biggest names between the posts, including Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García, Édouard Mendy of Al Ahli, Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa and Chelsea, Arsenal’s David Raya, Vozinha of Chaves and Colo-Colo, and Athletic Club’s Unai Simón.
Despite the strength of the competition, Utaka believes Safonov deserves serious consideration for the prize.
“Matvey Safonov demonstrates exceptional goalkeeping abilities with remarkable potential. He possesses a genuine opportunity to be recognized as the year’s premier goalkeeper. In my assessment, Kylian Mbappé stands as the primary candidate for the Ballon d’Or,” Utaka communicated to Euro Football.
Safonov has also crossed paths with Nigerian football in recent international action. The Russian goalkeeper conceded a goal scored by Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare in the 71st minute of Russia’s 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles on June 6, 2025.
The goalkeeper subsequently kept a clean sheet when Russia defeated Iran 2-0 on September 29, 2026, further adding to the attention surrounding his form ahead of Russia’s next fixture.
With Russia scheduled to face Nigeria on Tuesday, questions remain over whether Safonov will once again be handed the starting role between the posts.
The forthcoming encounter could provide another opportunity for Nigerian players and fans to see the goalkeeper Utaka believes has the credentials to challenge for one of football’s most prestigious individual goalkeeping honours.
Meanwhile, Utaka has also identified Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé as his choice for the Ballon d’Or, adding another dimension to his assessment of this year’s individual awards.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 26, 2026, at London’s Palladium Theatre, where the world’s leading footballers will gather for one of the most anticipated nights on the football calendar.
Among the goalkeepers attracting attention in the Yashin Trophy conversation are Spain international Unai Simón and Arsenal’s David Raya, both of whom have been included on the shortlist.
For Safonov, the nomination represents an opportunity to further establish himself among the elite goalkeepers in world football. Utaka’s public endorsement adds another prominent voice to the growing discussion over who should ultimately claim the award.