Rot-Weiss Köln and Germany goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg has been named the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards following his sublime EuroHockey Championship performances in Mönchengladbach.
He was player of the match in the final as Germany lifted the trophy in dramatic fashion — a victory sealed in shoot-outs in which Danneberg played a starring role.
His composure and ability to make saves in the biggest pressure moments were pivotal both in winning gold and securing qualification for the coming World Cup.
Alongside his continental triumph, Danneberg’s performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League also underlined his class. Week after week, he faced world-class opposition, commanding his circle, orchestrating defence, and producing momentum-shifting saves with consistency.
His level of performance across the major events has marked him out as the premier goalkeeper in the world this season.
With his elite performances between the sticks directly influencing Germany’s success, Jean-Paul Danneberg is a fitting recipient of the FIH Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
He took the prize ahead of England and Old Georgians star James Mazarelo and Oranje-Rood and Argentina’s Tomi Santiago.
On the women’s side, New Zealand’s Grace O’Hanlon took the top prize ahead of the Netherlands’ Anne Veenendaal and China’s Liu Ping.
