Brice Samba, the goalkeeper who helped Nottingham Forest achieve promotion, has been nominated for the Yachin Trophy, which is granted to the world’s greatest goalkeeper.
Just over a year has passed since the 29-year-old departed Forest to join Lens in France again. He spent three years with the team and was a key player in their 2022 return to the Premier League.
Samba participated in 45 games in all competitions that season, and he saved the day in the play-offs semifinal victory over Sheffield United in a penalty shootout. Just 12 days later, Forest defeated Huddersfield Town 1-0 at Wembley thanks in large part to some vital saves made by the goalkeeper.
The following summer, he left the team, and Dean Henderson, who had been acquired by Forest on loan from Manchester United, took his place. Henderson suffered an injury that prevented him from playing, thus Forest turned to Keylor Navas, another loanee.
Both have since left the City Ground, and Forest has since acquired American international Matt Turner. Odysseas Vlachodimos, a deadline-day acquisition, will now be vying for the number one jersey, challenging the former Arsenal player.
Samba, on the other hand, has kept wowing audiences with his performances. Before making his debut at the international level earlier this summer, he received his first call-up to the France team back in March.
He assisted Lens in their unexpected second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, and as a result, he will participate in the Champions League this year. The goalkeeper is currently one of the ten candidates for the Yacine Trophy, along with players like Emiliano Martinez, Ederson, and Andre Onana, who won the World Cup.
On October 30, 2023, at the ceremony, the award recipient will be declared.
