Real Madrid were the main protagonist in the UEFA Awards in the 2016/17 season. Together with the Champions League draw for the group stage, we knew yesterday the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward and player of the last season. As it was expected, Real Madrid players got all the prizes except the best goalkeeper.
This award was won by Gianluigi Buffon, runner-up in the last Champions League with Juventus. The Italian goalkeeper played a great tournament keeping clean sheets in many games, including the two matches against FC Barcelona.
Buffon was also candidate to win the award of Best UEFA Player, together with Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the prize went to Cristiano Ronaldo, a decisive player in the knock-out stage. The Portuguese was asked about the best goal of the tournament and he said: “The second one I scored to this old man”, he commented pointing Buffon. Cristiano got 482 in the votation, whereas Messi obtained 141 and Buffon 109. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were the fourth and fifth players in this ranking.
The Portuguese star also won the trophy as the best striker of the season in Europe and he had very kind words to his team after a difficult summer: “I’m lucky for playing at Real Madrid, the best club in the world”. Cristiano Ronaldo can continue winning titles with his beloved team this season because they have the challenge to win three Champions League in a row.
Luka Modric was the winner of the award for the best midfielder of the season, beating his team mates Toni Kroos and Casemiro. Once again, Real Madrid showed that they have the best midfielder in the world.
Finally, Sergio Ramos had also his moment because he was the best defender in Europe in the last season. “The key is starting over every season”, Sergio Ramos replied after being questioned about how to win another title in Europe. Florentino Pérez, among the public, has reason to be very proud of the team he’s built.
