23 October 2017
Gianluigi Buffon has won The Best FIFA goalkeeper award on a proud night for the Bianconeri captain at today’s ceremony in London.
Following another year of exceptional performances between the sticks, in which he went 600 minutes without conceding a goal in the Champions League, Buffon staved off competition from Real Madrid’s Keylor Navas and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer to claim the prestigious prize.
Furthermore, Buffon also made it into the FIFPro World 11 – the team of the year for 2017 as voted by over 60,000 professional footballers from across the globe.
The line-up (4-3-3 formation) features Buffon as well as two members of last year's Scudetto winners and Champions League Finalists, Leo Bonucci and Dani Alves.
FIFPro World 11: Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves, Leo Bonucci, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Andres Iniesta, Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar.
"For me, I am very happy because this is a great honor to receive this award at my age," said Buffon in English at the stage. "I am proud of this award, but I want to say thanks to my club, my coach and my teammates because they help me to make it all possible and I want to say thanks to everyone who voted for me."
Massimiliano Allegri was also in attendance in London, as he made the final shortlist for The Best FIFA football coach award, ultimately won by Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane.
Allegri had led Juventus to a third straight domestic double (Serie A and Coppa Italia) during the 2016/17 season.
