Ballon d’Or 2017 Power Rankings – July

#3 Gianluigi Buffon

Only a handful of goalkeepers have managed to finish on the podium of the Ballon d’Or

There has been only one instance of a goalkeeper winning the Ballon d’Or, way back in 1963, when the legendary ‘Black Spider’ – Russia’s Lev Yashin – was crowned the best footballer on the planet.

Ever since, only a handful of goalkeepers have managed to finish on the podium of the Ballon d’Or, namely – Oliver Kahn, Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer.

Just before the UEFA Champions League final, there was a debate that had gripped the footballing fraternity, one which had a fairy-tale ending to the illustrious career of one of the game’s greatest. Yes, people were contemplating if Buffon will be in pole position to win the award, should he help his team – and himself – win the coveted trophy.

Albeit, that did not happen, as Real Madrid ran riot against Juventus and ended up winning the encounter 4-1. With that loss came to an end, not only the hopes of Buffon winning that elusive Champions League title but also, it dented the hopes of him becoming the first modern day goalkeeper to be endowed with the prestigious award.