LONDON Oct 24 (TNS): Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud´s ´scorpion kick´ goal against Crystal Palace in January received the Puskas award for the goal of the year at the Best FIFA football awards here.
Veteran Juventus and Italy shot-stopper Buffon topped a three-strong shortlist for the goalkeeper award ahead of Real´s Keylor Navas and Bayern Munich´s Manuel Neuer.
“I have to speak in English, it is a difficult moment,” said the 39-year-old Buffon.
“It is a great honour to receive this award at my age. I am proud.
“The last year has been fantastic for Juventus and for me personally. It wasn´t enough to win in Europe.
“I would like to finish with a fantastic victory for Italy next summer (at the 2018 World Cup in Russia).”
Monday also saw the Puskas Award for the best goal of 2017 go to Arsenal´s Olivier Giroud.
The France striker received the award named in honour of Hungary great Ferenc Puskas for a spectacular ´scorpion-kick´ against Crystal Palace in January.
“I´m delighted to receive this trophy today in front of legends of football,” said Giroud.
The Frenchman´s flicked volley with his left foot that went in off the crossbar won ahead of goals from Venezuela´s Deyna Castellanos, 18, and South African goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke.
Meanwhile tournament hosts the Netherlands´ achievement in winning their first major female football title, the 2017 Women´s European Championship, was recognised with Women´s Coach of the Year and Player of the Year awards for Sarina Wiegman and Lieke Martens respectively.
Wiegman and Martens were unable to receive their awards in London as the Netherlands are playing Norway on Tuesday.
The voting for the Best FIFA awards, equally weighted between national team captains, national team coaches, media and fans, closed last month.
