Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon believes that something “truly exceptional” would have to happen in order for German international and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to win the 2014 Ballon d’Or.
In an interview with FIFA.com, the Italy international tipped Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo to take home his second-consecutive award – the third in his career.
“For a goalkeeper to win the award, something truly exceptional has to happen,” Buffon explained. “Often the prize doesn’t go to the best player, but to the player who has won more games, and who was most decisive in those victories. So perhaps a goalkeeper will win the Ballon d’Or when he helps his team become world champions by winning four games in a row on penalties and saving every spot-kick.”
“That way no one can overlook him! But something really remarkable has to happen.”
Buffon acknowledged that Lev Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to have taken home the trophy, in its previous format, in 1963. But the Juventus shot stopper shared he’s feelings on Yashin’s victory and expressed that it would be difficult for a goalkeeper to duplicate such a feat in modern football.
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“Yashin was certainly exceptional, one of the greats, but I think the fact that he came from a country about which people knew little helped,” Buffon said.
“At the time, there were players people had heard a lot about, but had only seen play a few times. I think this mystery added to the legend that surrounded them.”
The Juventus goalkeeper came close to winning the award himself in 2006, finishing second to Fabio Cannavaro. But the Italian captain feels no one remembers the fact that he was named runner-up and believes Cannavaro deserved the plaudits.
“It’s a very important award for a player because it’s the greatest and most symbolic recognition of our work,” Buffon told FIFA.com.
“It is the ultimate goal you can achieve in the game, because global recognition is something that makes you proud, and tells you that you will be in the football history books forever.”
“No one remembers second place, especially in sport.”
“Of course I was proud, because coming in second was the result of great sacrifices and victories as a team.”
“But in the end, if you don’t win, second place is not really important.”
“Fabio [Cannavaro] won because he deserved it more.”
Buffon then when on to predict Cristiano Ronaldo as this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, though the goalkeeper sees Messi as the better player.
“Who will win? Probably Ronaldo. Even if he hadn’t won the UEFA Champions League, the player who is the best at a particular moment should be rewarded.”
“Ronaldo – in addition to having a splendid career and maintaining a high level of performance over a long period – has done something exceptional over the last two years, and deserves the recognition.”
“That said, I still think Messi is still the best overall, because when he is 100 percent he is simply sublime to watch.”
“But there is not much difference between the two. They are playing at such a high level that if one drops just a little, the other will overtake.”
“And what Ronaldo did this year was beautiful to behold – incredibly decisive and professional. You realize that he has the right mindset, and is working towards goals that he sets himself.”
“In the end, people who stand out so deservedly, thanks to their hard work and dedication, should be rewarded.”
The winner of the 2014 Ballon d’Or will be announced on January 12, 2015 in Zurich.
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