When Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury before the ball was even kicked in the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid were left wondering how they would go about a long season without their number 1. Andriy Lunin didn’t look to convince the club a great deal, and the Royal whites opted to a replacement for the Belgian.

The club brought in Kepa, and an injury before a UCL clash against Braga meant Lunin will finally announce himself in the competition.

Fast-forward to the end of last season, Lunin played a crucial role in a illustrious season for madrid.

KEPA nominated for YACHIN award

The YACHIN award is a recognition by France football giving to the most outstanding Goalkeeper of the season. Giving Lunin’s contributions in Real Madrid’s successful season, winning the LaLiga, Spanish supercopa and UCL, Lunin earned himself a nomination for the award.

France football released a long list of competitors for the award including;

Diogo Costa — Porto

Lunin — Real Madrid

Donnarumma  — Paris saint-Germain

Kobel — Dortmund

Mamardashvili — Valencia

Maignan — AC MILAN

Unai Simon — Athletic club Bilbao

Emi Martinez — Aston Villa

Yan Sommer  — Inter Milan

Ronwen Williams — Mamelodi Sundowns

Lunin’s Chances of winning the award

Individual performances in the champions league group stage, an incredible performances in the Round of 16 against RB liepzik, and performances against Bayern, and man city have put Lunin the favorite for the award.

However, Lunin being subbed in the UCL finals against Dortmund owing to the return of Courtois, will also hurt his candidacy a great deal.

Additionally, Lunin failed to impress at the euros, playing just one game with Ukraine.

All things taking into consideration, Lunin still stand a great chance of emerging victorious on the big day. Amongst his competitors, Lunin had the most outstanding season, and it will come as no surprise of the Ukrainian was to win the award of October 28th of next month.