Second successive Zamora Trophy escapes Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen

It’s been an incredibly disappointing season for Barcelona, with no trophies won across the four competitions entered by Xavi Hernandez’s side. None of their players will have any individual awards to show either, with the last realistic chance having escaped from the grasp of goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Ter Stegen had been competing with Athletic Club’s Unai Simon for the Zamora Trophy. The German international won the award last season during Barcelona’s title-winning campaign in La Liga, but in order to have had a chance in 2023-24, he needed Simon to concede at least once against Rayo Vallecano.

It did not happen, as Athletic won 1-0 courtesy of Nico Williams’ close-range finish. Simon was withdrawn after the hour mark anyway, as head coach Ernesto Valverde ensured the Zamora for the 26-year-old at the earliest possible opportunity.

It wasn’t to be on this occasion for Barcelona and Ter Stegen – they will hope for better fortunes next season when the Hansi Flick reign gets underway.