#1 Gianluigi Buffon
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Eight Scudettos. One World Cup. One Uefa Cup. Four Italian Cups. The missing piece for Europe’s most decorated goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the Champions League, and his quest for glory in the competition makes Juventus the neutral’s choice for this final.
For the 39-year-old who will become the tournament’s oldest winner should Juventus get past Real Madrid it almost certainly will be his last chance, but the Italian never gave up hope on finally lifting the trophy. “After the defeat to Barcelona in the final, two years ago, many people thought I would never have another chance, but I always believed that, if we worked hard, I would get another opportunity – and this time we must make it count,” Buffon is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.
The experienced goalkeeper who remains the world’s most expensive stopper commands respect from his fellow professionals. He is a likeable character, never shy of issuing opponents with words of encouragement even in such competitive surroundings, and a man who, on the field at least, always conducts himself professionally.
“I would like to see Buffon win the Champions League,” said Barcelona legend Xavi in a recent interview. “Winning the Champions League would be a crowning moment in Buffon’s career”. There are plenty who agree with him.
But to ensure that happens Buffon must give the performance of his career to deny Ronaldo and Real Madrid yet another party with the Champions League trophy. Cardiff awaits.
