Ronwen Williams became the first player penalized under FIFA's new eight-second ball possession rule on 17 June 2025 during a match against Ulsan Hyundai. This event occurred during his tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns, following a lengthy career that established him as a key figure in South African football, eventually leading to global recognition at the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards.
Early Career and SuperSport United
Born in Gqeberha on 21 January 1992, Williams spent part of his youth career with the English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He moved to SuperSport United in 2004. His professional debut occurred in January 2012 during a CAF Champions League match against Matlama FC. Shortly thereafter, he made his first Premier Soccer League appearance against Free State Stars, successfully keeping a clean sheet in both fixtures.
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After a 12-year stint at SuperSport United, Williams signed with Mamelodi Sundowns on 21 July 2022. He marked his debut in the 2022–23 opener against Cape Town City FC with a clean sheet. During his first year, he contributed to an African Football League title victory, notable for his crucial penalty saves against Al Ahly and CA Petróleos Luanda.
International Milestones
Williams earned his first senior cap on 5 March 2014 against Brazil. Following a period of limited selection, he became the national team's first-choice goalkeeper under Stuart Baxter at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. After Hugo Broos assumed the role of head coach, he appointed Williams as captain. In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Williams set a record by saving four penalties in a single shootout against Cape Verde and earned the Best Goalkeeper award.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 January 1992
- Birthplace: Gqeberha, South Africa
- Current Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
- International Debut: 5 March 2014
- 2024 Ballon d'Or ranking: Ninth-best goalkeeper
- Role: Goalkeeper
Questions readers ask
What record did Ronwen Williams set during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations?
He became the first South African goalkeeper to keep five clean sheets in a single tournament and set a record for the most penalties saved in an AFCON shootout with four.
Why was Williams penalized in June 2025?
He was the first player penalized under a new FIFA rule requiring goalkeepers to release the ball within eight seconds; he held it for 14 seconds.
