Overlooked, Not Undeserving: The Jordan Pickford Snub That Football Can’t Justify”
In a world obsessed with headlines, hype, and highlight reels, it’s often the quietly consistent who go unnoticed. And no one exemplifies this more right now than Jordan Pickford — England’s No.1 and Everton’s last line of defense — who, despite a stellar year between the sticks, was shockingly omitted from the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist for goalkeepers.
This isn’t just a snub; it’s a disservice to the numbers, the performances, and the moments that matter.
Let’s look at the facts — cold, hard, undeniable.
For both club and country, Pickford has led goalkeeping metrics throughout the year. He’s topped charts in clean sheets, save percentage, goals prevented (xG vs actual goals conceded), and long-pass accuracy. While many high-profile names have floundered in key matches or rotated in and out of their teams, Pickford has been a constant. A rock. A wall. A leader.
The Statistics Tell the Real Story
In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Pickford ranked first in total saves and second in clean sheets — all while playing behind a leaky Everton defense that, on paper, should’ve left him exposed far more often. But where others might have folded, Pickford thrived. His reflex saves, distribution, and vocal presence were not just impressive; they were often the only thing keeping Everton afloat.
When the focus shifts to international duty, the story gets even clearer. England had one of the best defensive records in Euro 2024 — and who was in goal the entire time? Pickford. His performances in pressure-cooker knockout games were composed and clinical, saving penalties and commanding his area with the authority of a veteran who’s been doing this on the biggest stage for years. Because he has.
But somehow, the glitzier names — often from bigger clubs or with flashier agents — take precedence when individual accolades are handed out. And this year, it seems Pickford’s reliability has once again been mistaken for mediocrity. His style isn’t flamboyant, but it’s efficient. He doesn’t wave to the cameras after a save — he’s already organizing his defense for the next threat.
Disrespect Comes in Silence
The absence of Jordan Pickford from UEFA and FIFA shortlists isn’t new, but it’s increasingly difficult to justify. There’s a pattern here: a consistent lack of recognition for a player who’s arguably done more than most in his position with far fewer resources. When you’re not wearing the badge of a Champions League finalist or backed by a PR machine, your achievements can somehow seem smaller. But they aren’t. They never were.
Pickford doesn’t just represent Everton and England — he represents resilience. The kind of footballer who doesn’t chase clout but chases excellence. And in an era where football narratives are often crafted in boardrooms and on social media rather than on the pitch, his story stands out as refreshingly authentic.
Let’s not forget the adversity he’s faced. From media scrutiny early in his career to the ups and downs of Everton’s turbulent seasons, Pickford has emerged not just unscathed — but improved. While other keepers were rotating in and out of starting lineups or battling injuries, he was playing every minute, every match, and turning up big when it counted.
The People’s Goalkeeper
Pickford might not be UEFA’s flavor of the month, but he doesn’t need their validation. He has something more powerful — the trust of a nation and the respect of those who truly watch the game. Not just the highlight reels or the name on the jersey, but the minutes in the trenches. The game-saving fingertip stops. The vocal commands over the roar of 60,000 fans. The penalty saves when legacies hang in the balance.
There’s a reason Gareth Southgate has never wavered in his trust in Pickford, even when pundits have tried to stir up debates. Because results speak louder than reputations.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Pay Attention
Jordan Pickford might not have a Ballon d’Or nomination, but he has something more valuable: an unwavering record of excellence. And in the long arc of football history, true greatness is rarely determined by awards alone. It’s defined by moments — and Pickford has given us plenty.
The governing bodies may not appreciate him, but real fans do. The ones who watch the game with their eyes, not just their timelines. The ones who see the saves that don’t make the headlines. The ones who know that loyalty, consistency, and leadership mean more than Instagram followers or a trendy transfer.
Jordan Pickford was overlooked this year — but he won’t be forgotten.
