In a fitting recognition of his breakout campaign, Ghanaian international goalkeeper Joseph Anang has been shortlisted for the prestigious Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland (SWAI) League of Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year award for 2025.
The 25-year-old, who has firmly established himself as the first-choice shot-stopper for St. Patrick’s Athletic, was announced as one of three nominees today, capping off a transformative year both at club and international levels.
Anang’s nomination comes on the heels of a remarkable 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division season, where he played a pivotal role in anchoring the Saints’ defense. Over 36 appearances, the towering 6’3″ keeper conceded just 32 goals while securing an impressive 18 clean sheets – the highest tally in the league.
This defensive masterclass helped St. Patrick’s post the stingiest record in the competition, allowing fewer goals than any other side and securing a solid fifth-place finish in the 10-team table.
His consistency was evident early on, with a run of four consecutive clean sheets in UEFA Conference League qualifiers against Lithuanian side Hegelmann Litauen in July, including a milestone 100th career appearance in a 2-0 away victory.
Born Accra, Anang’s journey to this point has been one of perseverance and reinvention. After moving to England as a teenager, he joined West Ham United’s academy in 2017, rising through the ranks to become third-choice senior keeper behind the likes of Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola.
However, limited first-team opportunities led to loan spells, including a memorable six-month stint at St. Patrick’s in 2022, where he featured in all four Europa Conference League qualifiers and contributed to West Ham’s triumphant run in the competition that year.
A frustrating loan at Derby County in 2022-23, marred by a training injury, tested his resolve, but his permanent return to Inchicore on a two-and-a-half-year deal in June 2024 marked a turning point.
Under manager Stephen Kenny – the former Republic of Ireland boss who took the reins at St. Patrick’s in May 2025 – Anang thrived. “Joseph has been immense,” Kenny said earlier this season. “His command of the box, distribution, and shot-stopping have transformed our backline.”
The winners will be revealed at the SWAI Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Dublin’s Camden Court Hotel – a glamorous night celebrating the best of Irish soccer.