Cata Coll wins the Yashin Trophy as the world's best goalkeeper

Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll was awarded the Yashin Trophy, recognizing her as the best goalkeeper in the world, during the Ballon d'Or gala held in London.

The ceremony took place on a Monday evening at the London Palladium Theatre, organized by the magazine France Football. Coll's recognition follows a remarkable period of success with both her club and national team.

During the previous competitive cycle, Coll secured the Spanish League, the Queen's Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Champions League with Barcelona. Additionally, she triumphed in the UEFA Women's Nations League representing the national squad of Spain.

Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel presented the award to Coll on stage, where she shared the spotlight with fellow Spanish player Unai Simón, who received the Yashin Trophy for the best male goalkeeper following his performance in the World Cup.

Upon accepting the trophy, Coll expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her journey. "It is a privilege to share this trophy with all of you and above all with a Spaniard," she stated during her acceptance speech.

She extended her thanks to Barcelona for letting her defend their shield, to the coaching staff for improving her skills, and to the national selection for allowing her to represent her country. She also acknowledged her family and teammates, emphasizing that a goalkeeper might save a final, but she could not achieve success without them.

Coll also dedicated thoughts to the goalkeepers who paved the way and to the younger generation watching. "The most important thing is to show girls that they can be here," she said.

The Mallorcan-born player began her football journey at the age of six with the Sant Marçal team, eventually rising to international prominence and earning recognition as one of the elite players in the sport today.