Dario Vidosic “proud” of history-making Brighton duo at Ballon d’Or ceremony | OneFootball

Dario Vidosic saw two of his Brighton players nominated for awards at the Ballon d’Or this year

Although neither of his players won an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony this week, Dario Vidosic was gushing with pride over his history-making Brighton duo.

Michelle Agyemang and Chiamaka Nnadozie were both nominated for awards but fell just short.

Brighton stars go close at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Following a breakout summer with the Lionesses, Agyemang was nominated for the Kopa Trophy which recognises the best under-21 player of the year.

The 19-year-old finished fourth in the award standings with Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez claiming the prize.

Brighton boss Dario Vidosic dubbed Agyemang an ‘excitement machine’ at the start of this season ahead of her second stint with the club.

The Arsenal loanee is still yet to score for Brighton this season but she has started all three games for the Seagulls as the promising talent gains valuable minutes on the South Coast.

Nnadozie on the other hand was nominated for the first-ever women’s Yashin Trophy – which recognises the best goalkeeper in the world.

The goalkeeper was at the centre of her nation’s success in summer as Nigeria were crowned champions of the African Cup of Nations.

After her Euro 2025 heroics, it was England’s Hannah Hampton who won the inaugural Yahsin Trophy.

Like Agyemang, Nnadozie also finished fourth in running for her respective award.

Nnadozie is still in her first season at Brighton but already the former Paris FC goalkeeper is fast becoming a fan favourite with the Seagulls.

Dario Vidosic praises history-making Brighton duo

Although his players didn’t pick up any awards, Vidosic was extremely positive about Brighton’s first-ever duo to be nominated for the prestigious awards.

“As a club, squad, and everyone affiliated with the women’s program at Brighton, we are all really proud of them. It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised for one of the most prestigious awards in the footballing world.

“They both had a tremendous summer and lifting continental trophies after winning the Euros and WAFCON, it just showcases how important they were to the success of both their national teams.

“I’m sure when they were growing up and they were in the back garden and playing football, they were probably dreaming of these moments. For them both to fulfill that in their nomination is incredible.

“They should both be proud of their nomination for this evening.”