Neil Etheridge of Buriram United Named Among AFC Champions League Elite Players of the Year Nominees
Buriram United goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has been nominated for the AFC Champions League Elite Player of the Year award, becoming the first Thai League keeper to receive the honor. The Philippine shot-stopper currently leads fan voting with
Neil Etheridge, the Philippine goalkeeper for Buriram United, has been nominated for the AFC Champions League Elite Player of the Year award for the 2025/26 season.
The AFC website announced the list of 10 candidates for the AFC Champions League Elite Player of the Year award for the 2025/26 season, with Neil Etheridge, the Philippine goalkeeper for Buriram United's "Thunder Castle," included among them.
Etheridge's statistics in the AFC Champions League Elite are impressive, with 30 saves and 5 clean sheets to his name. He is the first Thai League goalkeeper to be nominated for this award.
The AFC website stated: "His 30 saves and 5 clean sheets demonstrate exceptional form from this Philippine goalkeeper. He has been a key factor in helping Buriram advance through the rounds, delivering outstanding performances against Melbourne City FC and even saving a penalty kick during the shootout to guide his team to the next round."
Fan voting for the AFC Champions League Elite Player of the Year award for the 2025/26 season is now open. Current voting results show Etheridge leading with 38.75%, ahead of Ghaleno, the forward from Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, who has 36.04%.
