The Chilean goalkeeper Christian Endler has once again earned a place on a prestigious shortlist, highlighting her standing as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers. On February 27, she was named among the finalists who aspire to win the FIFA The Best award for the top female goalkeeper, marking a fourth straight year of recognition at this high level. The Lyon goalkeeper is up against strong rivals, including Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and England’s Mary Earps, underscoring the intense competition at the very top of women’s football.
Endler’s achievements with Olympique Lyonnais Féminin speak for themselves. She helped the club dominate the domestic scene by shipping only eight goals across 22 league matches, a testament to her leadership and reliability between the posts. Her influence contributed to Lyon’s double in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and earned her a coveted spot in the Team of the Year, reinforcing her status as a cornerstone of the team’s success.
So, how many titles does Endler have to her name? Her trophy cabinet reflects a career defined by consistency, clutch performances, and a clear impact in every competition she enters. The The Best award acknowledges the period from August 7, 2021 to July 31, 2022, spotlighting players who delivered exceptional performances during that timeframe. The winner will be revealed at a ceremony in Paris, scheduled for February 27, presenting a moment of celebration for the global women’s game.
The selection process involved a diverse international jury. Coaches of national women’s teams, captains of those teams, respected women’s football journalists, and fans who voted on the organization’s official website all weighed in. The result is a well-rounded judgment that reflects on-field performance, leadership, and the broader impact Endler has had during the year in question.
On the men’s side, Emiliano Martínez stands as one of the three finalists for the best goalkeeper award. He faces competition from Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, two veteran performers who have impressed fans and analysts alike with their saves, consistency, and presence in big matches, including the Qatar 2022 tournament where their roles were pivotal.
Overall, the landscape of goalkeeper awards this season emphasizes the blend of individual brilliance and team success. Endler’s ongoing recognition reaffirms her status as a trailblazer in Chilean football and a trusted pillar for Lyon. Her journey reflects the broader rise of women’s football on the world stage, where top players quietly redefine what excellence looks like in the position of goalkeeper.
Note: the information summarized here reflects the period treated by The Best award’s criteria and the respective finalists announced for the year under review, with performances and accolades cited from the reporting of Goal and related outlets.