A roundup of the top news stories from the goalkeeping world between the 29th December 2024 and the 5th of January 2025.
Rangers goalkeeper suffers internal bleeding
Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland spent New Years Eve in hospital after he suffered 'significant' internal bleeding in his leg. Butland missed the Old Firm Derby on the 2nd of January and the longer-term effects of the injury as well as his availability remain unclear.
Butland was released from hospital on New Years Day and his club confirmed that he would miss the Old Firm Derby. The Former England international thanked fans for their support on social media and hopefully Butland will be back in goal at Ibrox soon.
New England goalkeeper coach begins role under Tuchel
Former Chelsea man Henrique Hilario has joined new England head coach Thomas Tuchel in the three lions' set up as goalkeeper coach. He replaces Martyn Margetson who took up the same role with Wales following Gareth Southgate's resignation as England manager.
Hilario was part of a large goalkeeper department operating under Ben Roberts at Chelsea, and formerly worked with Tuchel at Stamford Bridge between 2021 and 2022. He has left his role with Chelsea after the club were not keen on him combining his domestic and international roles.
Goalkeeper loses mother one month after losing his father
Stanley Nwabali, Nigerian goalkeeper, tragically lost his mother this week one month after losing his father.
The goalkeeper posted on X, “Rip mom worst year of my life already" Before that, Nwabali had posted, “A very very crazy world indeed”. Nwabali, however, did not give further details on how his mother died.
Just over a month ago, Nwabali lost his father, with the heartbreaking news coming hours before the Super Eagles’ clash against Rwanda in a 2025 AFCON qualification game in November. Nwabali, understandably, didn't take part in the game but he did cheer on his side from the sidelines.
Best wishes have been sent by many to the Nigerian goalkeeper.
West Ham legend withdraws from cancer treatment
Former West Ham shot-stopper Miklosko has announced he will withdraw from further cancer treatment, three years after his diagnosis. Aged 63, the Czech goalkeeper made nearly 400 appearances in eight years on the pitch with the Hammers, later returning as a goalkeeping coach.
Miklosko, appeared on the pitch before kick-off at the London Stadium ahead of the visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool last Sunday, and explained that he was feeling well at the moment.
He continued, in a statement: "Lots of friends have said to me that, if they didn't know what I was going through, they would think that I was fine, which is nice for me to hear, because I want to feel like that for as long as possible."
West Ham said: 'The entire West Ham United family is with Ludek at this time, and we encourage everyone attending today's game to be in their seats 10 minutes before kick-off to give him the reception and love that he so greatly deserves.'
Tottenham sign new goalkeeper to support in Vicario absence
Spurs have signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague. The North London club will pay £12.5m for Kinsky, who is a Czech Republic U21 international, having agreed a deal that runs until 2031.
Reports suggested that Sam Johnstone was an option for Spurs whose number one Guglielmo Vicario suffered an ankle injury after their 4-0 win against Manchester City at the Etihad which has kept him sidelined since and will do until late February.
In the interim, Fraser Forster has been Spurs goalkeeper but a mix of great saves but also high profiles errors on the ball have shortened the odds for a new goalkeeper arriving in North London.
“It’s been amazing to sign the contract,” said Kinsky, whose father, Antonin Sr, won five Czech Republic caps as a goalkeeper. “Tottenham is a big name in Europe, especially in the Czech Republic so for me it is a big honour. I spoke with the coaches and the sporting director and I really got the feeling this is going to be the right choice. I like to play a lot with my feet. I’m looking forward to training, hopefully for the games. That’s the aim of every player, to be on the pitch.”
Slonina returns to Chelsea early after loan move cut short
After spending last season away at Belgian outfit KAS Eupen, Gabriel Slonina was granted a first chance to play regular men's football in England when Barnsley completed a temporary move in early August.
However, owing to being dropped and an injury, the 20-year-old would only go on to play 14 times across all competitions. 11 of those appearances came in League One.
Slonina thanked Barnsley for his opportunity and admitted that 'It wasn't the way I would've liked the first half of the season to go' in a statement released on social media.
He continued: 'I thank you for welcoming me into the team and allowing me to be a little part of what I believe will be a successful season for you all. Thanks to the entire staff and squad of players for making me feel part of this club.
