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#2 Gianluigi Buffon (Rank 4)
It is not often that a goalkeeper gets recognised for his efforts, but Buffon still managed to finish above many fancied players and secure the 4th position in the Ballon d'Or rankings. However, even this high position does not do justice to the great man as he undoubtedly deserved to finish in the top 3.
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He was even tipped as an outside contender to win the Ballon d'Or award although the loss to Ronaldo's Real Madrid severely dented the Italian's chances. Although 39, the Juve veteran was in fine form and pulled off a number of stunning saves both in Serie A and Champions League.
The legendary shot-stopper was at his finest in the match against Barcelona in the Champions League with even Pique admitting that Buffon deserved the Ballon d'Or for his consistently astonishing displays in the 2016/17 season.
However, it was not to be and Buffon finished 4th behind Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo.
Also read: 10 players who could have won Ballon d'Or if Messi and Ronaldo did not exist
