Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that Hungarian goalkeeper Dániel Gyollai has been named the 2024/25 Glentoran Player of the Year – an award voted for by the club’s supporters and organised by the Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters’ Club.
The 27-year-old was the overwhelming choice of supporters, claiming 54% of the total vote during Tuesday night’s home fixture against Coleraine – ahead of runner-up Fuad Sule (21%) and forward Jordan Jenkins (9%) in third place.
Gyollai becomes only the fourth goalkeeper in Glentoran history to win the award, joining an elite group that includes Albert Finlay (1965 & 1966), Alan Paterson (1994) and Elliott Morris (2014).
First awarded in 1958, the Glentoran Player of the Year trophy is one of the most cherished accolades in the club’s proud history – and Gyollai’s selection by the fans underlines the impact he’s made in his debut season at The BetMcLean Oval.
Since arriving in East Belfast last summer, the former Stoke City, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United goalkeeper has become a key figure in the Sports Direct Premiership. His shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure and command of the box have made him a fan favourite and a key figure in the dressing room.
The 6’5” keeper has already collected a hat-trick of Glentoran Player of the Month awards, as well as being named Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Player of the Month for October. In December, he added another unforgettable moment to his season – scoring a sensational equaliser at Solitude to spark a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Cliftonville.
Dániel Gyollai said: “To be voted Player of the Year by the Glentoran fans is a massive honour and something I’m extremely proud of. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported, and that connection has meant so much to me throughout the season.
“I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff and everyone at the club who has helped make this such a positive season for me personally. However, the job’s not done yet – we’ve got big games ahead and European qualification to fight for. I’ll keep giving everything I can to help us finish the season on a high.”
Declan Devine, Manager of Glentoran, said: “Dán has been absolutely exceptional since the day he walked into the club. From his very first session, it was clear he was not only a top-class goalkeeper, but also a leader, a competitor and a calming presence who lifts the standards of everyone around him.
“His performances this season have been outstanding. He’s produced some massive saves at vital moments, none more so than his penalty stop on Tuesday night, and time and again, he’s stepped up when it’s mattered most. For me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the league and this award is a richly deserved recognition of the quality and consistency he’s brought to Glentoran all season.”
*Gyollai will be officially presented with his award by representatives from Castlereagh GSC before kick-off at Glentoran’s next available home fixture – either before the end of this season or at the start of the next.
