Gianluigi Buffon has been named the 2016 Golden Foot winner ahead of a a glittering array of football stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo andManchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
The Italian shotstopper is the latest recipient of the international award, which aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of players who are at least 28 years of age.
Organised by the World Champoins Club and with patronage from Monaco’s Prince Albert II, the prize is voted for by football fans around the world – through its website and social media.
Each year, the winner is given the opportunity to add their footprints to the ‘Champions Promenade’ in Monaco – or in the case of the Juventus goalkeeper, his handprints.
Previous winners include Samuel Eto’o (2015), Andres Iniesta (2014), Didier Drogba (2013), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2012), Ryan Giggs (2011) and Francesco Totti (2010).
Aside from the annual winner, footballing legends to be recognised with a golden foot award included Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri former-Barcelona defender Carles Puyol, Portuguese midfielder Deco and Inter manager Frank de Boer.
Buffon also saw out competition from Spanish keeper Iker Casillas who now plays at Porto, PSG’s Edinson Cavani, and Orlando City’s Kaka.
Other 2016 nominees included Frank Lampard and Buffon’s compatriot Andrea Pirlo of New York City FC, as well as Thiago Silva of PSG.
