26. Gianluigi Buffon
Yes, he’s still around. Yes, he’s still great. And yes, Gianluigi Buffon is once again on the long list for Ballon d’Or.
Few players are so synonymous with a generation of a country’s playing style than Buffon, who rivals maybe only Andrea Pirlo as the quintessential Italian player of the last two decades.
A keeper who has won everything everywhere he’s been, Buffon showed no signs of slowing down as Juventus breezed to yet another Serie A title. With 21 clean sheets and just 20 goals allowed, Buffon continued to be an impenetrable even at age 38.
His Euros performance was perhaps just as impressive. Under an Antonio Conte who had already accepted the Chelsea manager job, few pegged Italy for a deep tournament run. And while a loss in the quarterfinals didn’t match the country’s 2012 run to the final, Italy did pick up a pair of signature wins over Belgium and Spain before unluckily falling to Germany on penalties.
With neither Lloris or Patricio playing in the Champions League last season, Buffon’s case for Ballon d’Or is stronger than all but one keeper in this year’s field of nominees.